Andi's Story
Andi got Kawasaki Disease at 4 months old. She started with a low grade fever and red eyes. We went to the ped and were diagnosed as teething and possibly getting a virus. After 3 days and lack of appetite we went to the ER for dehydration. There she was admitted and diagnosed as septic. After a course of very strong iv antibiotics and no improvement they did a spinal tap to check for viral meningitis. After several days at our local hospital with no improvement or diagnosis we asked for a transfer to a larger hospital. At the second hospital on day 6 (9 of the illness) we got the official diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. After 1 round of IVIG she had showed amazing improvements but still febrile. There was talk of another dose but instead we were transferred to a children's hospital. There Andi received high doses of steroids that did nothing. All along her heart was deteriorating and growing aneurysms. Eventually after 3 weeks in the hospital she received chemotherapy. One week later we received another dose of chemo to be aggressive and sure the Kawasaki was gone.
Misdiagnosis?
Sepsis, meningitis, Polyarteritis Nadosa, virus, teething
Current Conditions
Only one grade 4 aneurysm that she takes aspirin and blood thinners for. Currently Andi is doing amazing. She can keep up with her peers, loves gymnastics and cheer, and keeps good grades in school