Kawasaki disease: guidelines of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, part I - definition, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical expression and management of the acute phase.

The primary purpose of these practical guidelines related to Kawasaki disease (KD) is to contribute to prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment on the basis of different specialists' contributions in the field. A set of 40 recommendations is provided, divided in two parts: the first describes the definition of KD, its epidemiology, etiopathogenetic hints, presentation, clinical course and general management, including treatment of the acute phase, through specific 23 recommendations.Their application is aimed at improving the rate of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and the overall potential development of coronary artery abnormalities in KD. Guidelines, however, should not be considered a norm that limits treatment options of pediatricians and practitioners, as treatment modalities other than those recommended may be required as a result of peculiar medical circumstances, patient's condition, and disease severity or complications.