The Need of Korean Guidelines for Management of Kawasaki Disease

The incidence of Kawasaki disease in Korea is the second highest in the world after Japan. However, Korea does not have its own clinical guidelines and relies on the clinical guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) and Japanese Circulation Society (JCS). The primary reason why Korea needs its own clinical guidelines is to reduce confusion in clinical practice. The unique nature of Korea's clinical environment and racial differences are additional factors that necessitate guidelines. The issues that need to be resolved to finalize Korea's own guidelines are discussed in this paper. Bacille Calmette-Guérin inoculation site reactions will likely have diagnostic value beyond the limitations of being considered part of a rash. Korea's high level of diagnostic urgency should be reflected in the criteria for diagnosing incomplete presentation. A model should be developed to predict patients with worsening outcomes, such as coronary aneurysm development or primary treatment refractoriness, to facilitate intensification of initial therapy. Efficient secondary treatment methods should also be explored, and a consensus should be reached on the appropriate dose of aspirin for acute phase treatment. It is also necessary to establish a classification system for the extent of coronary artery involvement that is essential for a long-term follow-up. The newly developed Korean clinical guidelines will facilitate easier and more unified clinical practice and consultations with patients and their caregivers. To achieve this, nationwide data collection and analysis will also be necessary.