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A mother has shared her baby’s experience of a rare disease that is now linked to Covid-19.
Sadie Inglis’ young boy, Arnie, was five months old when he was attacked by Kawasaki disease, which causes blood vessels throughout the body to become inflamed and the heart to swell.
Prestatyn’s baby spent a week in a hospital in 2018, but his recovery took over a year.
Sadie now warns parents of the signs to watch out for as doctors find a possible link between the disease and the coronavirus.
So far, Kawasaki disease has left at least a dozen children in the UK in intensive care and could be a form of toxic shock.
Many of the children who show signs of the syndrome have had coronaviruses, while others have not.
Recalling Arnie’s heartbreaking experience, Sadie said, “We were in London visiting the family when Arnie developed a temperature and a lump on the back of his head.
“I took him to Crawley Hospital and he was transferred to East Surrey Hospital immediately.
“They kept him on tests and told us he had some kind of infection.
“Her heart rate was fast and her temperature kept rising.
“It also developed a horrible rash all over the body, including the hands and feet.”
(Image: Sadie Inglis)
Doctors initially said Arnie had a head infection that was affecting his heart, his mother said.
The 24-year-old added: “They put him on antibiotics and did a lumbar puncture to verify the presence of fluid in the brain. She underwent a heart scan and had a drip of medication put on her.
“We were told that the infection was around his brain and we discovered that he had secondary viral meningitis.
“Later, after more blood tests, they found out that he has Kawasaki disease and secondary viral meningitis. So he was extremely poor.
(Image: Sadie Inglis)
“I have never been so terrified.”
When Alfie was released, he remained on medication for a full year afterward and had to have regular check-ups at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Sadie said: “It took a good 18 months for a full recovery.
“Alfie is now 27 months old and has continuous ear infections, tonsillitis since her immune system was very low.
“Since Arnie was so poor, I suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it was a very traumatic time for me and I am receiving counseling.”
(Image: Sadie Inglis)
“Hearing about Kawasaki hanging around right now has really hit me, and has worried me about Arnie and all the other babies / toddlers, since I wouldn’t want anyone.”
“What I would say to parents is that you know your own children and if you feel that something is not right, take them to the doctors.”
“Things to watch out for are high temperatures that don’t go down with Calpol, a lump on the side of the neck, a cherry-red rash all over the body, hands, feet, lips and tongue, and also the white part around the neck, the eyes turn red. “
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Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a case report from early April has reappeared, detailing what is believed to be one of the earliest known cases of the virus-related disease, reports Mirror.
The report explains that a six-month-old girl with the new coronavirus was diagnosed and treated for Kawasaki disease (KD).
(Image: American Adademy of Pediatrics)
In their report, published in Hospital Paediatrics, the authors wrote: “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of KD with concurrent Covid-19 infection.”
The girl was admitted to the hospital with a high fever and after four days began to show signs of Kawasaki disease, including a rash and red eyes.
And on the fifth day, he tested positive for Covid-19.
Now researchers are asking doctors to be more aware of a possible link between Kawasaki disease and the coronavirus.
They added: “This case report may serve as a useful reference for other physicians caring for pediatric patients affected by Covid-19 as understanding of clinical presentation patterns continues to evolve.
“A more detailed description of the clinical course of pediatric patients diagnosed with Covid-19 is still required, particularly regarding the possible association with KD.”
What is Kawasaki disease?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five.
The characteristic symptoms are a high temperature lasting more than five days, with a rash, swollen glands in the neck, dry and chapped lips, red fingers or toes, and red eyes.
(Image: Sadie Inglis)
Kawasaki disease causes the blood vessels to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to complications in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries).
What is the NHS Heroes campaign?
The NHS is the best of us. We watch in awe as they work tirelessly to take care of us during these unprecedented times. We have never trusted them more. We’ve never had to thank you more, and that’s what our Help for Heroes initiative is all about.
You can show how much you appreciate their efforts by sending them a little love, on our Million Thank You Map https://www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk/ Just add your message of support and send a heart to your zip code area. You can zoom in to see how many people from communities in Britain support it and read other messages. If you are a member of the NHS staff, you will find a dedicated section of discounts and discount offers, just for you too.
But along with appreciation, the NHS also needs our help – from PPE to food to keeping them running on shifts, medical supplies, and more – money can make a big difference. So we’ve launched NHS Heroes Help From Home, a nationwide fundraising campaign for our frontline NHS that everyone can participate in.
How does it work
- Donate to NHS Heroes Help From Home from just £ 2
- As a thank you, everyone who donates will participate in the NHS weekly hero raffle
- Winners are announced every Thursday at 8:05 pm.
- If you are a winner, choose to keep your prize or gift for an NHS hero of your choice
- Find out more at: https://donate.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk/ or click on the link on the Thanks a Million map to go directly to the donation site
Where do the funds go?
Funds raised go to NHS Charities Appeal COVID-19, created by NHS Charities Together. Donations will help care for the immediate well-being of our frontline NHS heroes and provide essential support for longer-term mental health.
94% of all donations will go to the NHS Charities Together Appeal COVID-19. The remaining 6% will cover the cost of payment processing fees.
Up to 5% of children with Kawasaki disease experience complications with their heart. Complications can be fatal in about 1% of cases.
Kawasaki disease is believed to be caused by an infection, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
Donate to our front-line NHS fundraiser and win weekly prizes. Choose to save your award or gift it to an NHS hero of your choice.
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