Formal plans needed to support teens with Kawasaki disease in transition to adult care
According to the American Heart Association, an increasing number of children who developed coronary artery aneurysms from Kawasaki disease are becoming adults and require transitioning to adult health care. However, a poor transition to an adult health care team could reduce quality follow-up care, which can lead to an increased risk of complications and even death.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement reviews the existing life-long risks and current guidelines for long-term care of children with Kawasaki disease and suggests that formal health care transition programs be established to ensure uninterrupted medical care for youth with Kawasaki disease, particularly those who may have developed aneurysms.