Global collaboration on Kawasaki disease key to reducing risk of serious heart conditions

The American Heart Association has issued a new science advisory calling for stronger international collaboration to improve outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease, a pediatric illness that can cause serious heart complications if it is not recognized and treated quickly.

The advisory, published on May 18, 2026, says progress depends on better coordination across countries and health systems in diagnosis, treatment and research. It also highlights that gaps in care remain larger in lower-resource settings.

Kawasaki disease is treatable, but the AHA says delays can be dangerous. Untreated cases can lead to coronary artery aneurysms in about 25% of patients. Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, can reduce that risk to under 5%.

The advisory argues that international research collaboration is still needed to improve understanding of the disease, strengthen clinical guidance and close disparities in access to care. The AHA released supporting science-news and summary materials the same day.

The central message of the advisory is simple: faster diagnosis, more consistent treatment and better global coordination could prevent avoidable heart damage in children with Kawasaki disease.