Vasculitis & Inflammatory Syndromes
Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the body’s blood vessels, causing them to swell, weaken, or scar. For children, vasculitis and other inflammatory syndromes can result in a wide range of symptoms and potential complications that impact overall health, growth, and daily activities. Without proper care and attention, these conditions can eventually lead to organ failure and cause severe health concerns.
At Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin, we are dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for children living with vasculitis and other inflammatory syndromes. Our team works closely with families to create personalized treatment plans, addressing both immediate and long-term needs with a focus on comfort, quality of life, and ongoing support.
Vasculitis & Other Common Inflammatory Syndromes in Children
Our physicians take pride in accurately diagnosing vasculitis and other inflammatory syndromes in children. We take the time to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that supports both the child’s immediate health and overall well-being.
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious inflammatory condition that most often affects children under the age of five. It causes inflammation in the walls of blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
Kawasaki disease often appears in two phases.
The first phase includes acute symptoms including:
- A high fever lasting more than three days.
- Rash on the main trunk of the body
- Swollen palms and soles of the feet
- Swollen tongue, often called “strawberry tongue”
- Swollen lymph nodes
The second phase includes more serious secondary symptoms, including:
- Peeling of the skin from the rash on the body
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal pain
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical exam and a review of symptoms, as there is no definitive test for Kawasaki disease. Blood tests and imaging studies, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), may be conducted to evaluate inflammation and check for complications affecting the heart.
Treatment often includes IV therapy and aspirin to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart complications. Most children respond well to early intervention, but ongoing monitoring by a specialist may be needed to ensure optimal recovery and long-term health.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a form of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, that primarily affects children. Typically affecting children between ages 2 and 10, HSP may cause arthritis and nephritis in the children it affects. It often leads to small blood vessel irritation and leaking, which can cause a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of HSP may include:
- A distinctive purplish rash, commonly on the lower legs, buttocks, or arms
- Bumps or swelling below the skin.
- Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees and ankles
- Bleeding in the lungs
- Kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Brain dysfunction (encephalitis)
To diagnose HSP, our doctors may use urine and blood tests to identify signs of kidney involvement or inflammation. A skin or kidney biopsy may also be conducted in more complex cases to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment typically focuses on symptom management, since HSP often resolves on its own. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to ease joint discomfort, while more severe cases involving the kidneys may require corticosteroids or other targeted therapies.
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by the group A Streptococcus bacterium. This condition can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain, and can lead to permanent heart damage if left untreated.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever may include:
- High and prolonged fever
- Fatigue
- Painful, swollen joints
- Small, painless lumps under the skin
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Uncontrolled movements (known as Sydenham chorea)
- Behavioral changes, including unexplained crying or inappropriate laughing.
Diagnosing rheumatic fever often involves blood tests to confirm a recent strep infection, and imaging tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess potential heart issues.
Treatment typically includes antibiotics to eliminate the strep infection and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce symptoms like joint pain and swelling. Children with heart issues may need long-term care and possibly additional treatments to prevent further damage.
Vasculitis in children is a condition where inflammation occurs in the blood vessels, causing them to weaken, narrow, or scar. This can affect blood flow to vital organs and tissues, leading to potentially serious complications.
Symptoms of vasculitis may include:
- Ongoing fever and fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
- Skin rash, often appearing as red or purplish spots.
- Abdominal pain or gastrointestinal issues
- Numbness or weakness in extremities
- Lack of appetite and/or severe weight loss
Diagnosing vasculitis typically involves laboratory testing, including bloodwork and urinalysis to check for inflammation and signs of immune activity. Imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans, and occasionally a biopsy of the affected tissue, may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for vasculitis in children typically focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing complications. This often includes medications such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies.
Vasculitis Treatment for Children in Austin, TX
Give your child the gift of comprehensive, compassionate, and gentle care for their inflammatory syndrome. Call Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin at (512) 494-4000 or request an appointment now. We look forward to serving you at one of our three convenient locations in Central Austin, Cedar Park, or South Austin.
