Recap from the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS)
The board members of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation – USA attended the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) in Montreal, Canada from August 26 to 29, 2024. The symposium brought together providers, researchers, pharmacists, foundations, patients, and families to discuss crucial advancements in Kawasaki Disease. Clinicians shared valuable insights on case studies, treatments, and global approaches to managing the disease, while research teams presented groundbreaking findings on environmental causes, DNA susceptibility, diagnostic tools, and treatments.
The symposium also provided a platform for Kawasaki Disease Foundations from around the world to convene and collaborate on important initiatives such as volunteer retention, board member selection, engaging families and patients, funding ongoing research, and raising awareness about the disease. The Kawasaki Disease Foundation collaborated with Kawasaki Disease Canada to host the parent symposium session titled “Navigating Kawasaki Disease Together: A Dialogue with Experts for Patients and Caregivers” which brought together KD specialists, parents, caregivers, patients, and worldwide KD organizations to discuss the transition to cardiology care for pediatric patients among other issues related to the disease.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for global collaboration and standardizing care for Kawasaki Disease patients. Looking ahead, the focus will be on fostering closer relationships with other Kawasaki Disease Foundations worldwide, supporting ongoing and future research, and continuing efforts to raise awareness about the disease. The upcoming 15th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) in Tokyo, Japan holds great promise, and we eagerly anticipate participating in this significant event.