Approximately every 3 years since 1984, researchers, clinicians and support groups join together as one Kawasaki global community to attend the International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS).
The latest advances in research, information and insights are shared. We learn from others and value the opportunities for collaboration and connection which are formed and continue beyond.
The symposium is usually held in Japan or the US (including Hawaii) and has also been held in Taiwan. The 13th IKDS in October 2021 was initially planned for Tokyo, Japan however due to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic including international travel restrictions, the IKDS was held for the first time via a virtual platform, factoring in time zones from around the world!
Representatives from the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Australia attended (virtually) the 13th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS). The theme was ‘Kawasaki Disease: Studying the past to Create the Future’ and included a tribute session to Dr Kawasaki, latest research not only on KD but also MIS-C/PIMS-TS, and a parents meeting with tribute to Mr Asai. Over 300 participants from across the world joined the IKDS!
The KD Foundation Australia were invited to present at the IKDS and Bec Wilby and Nidal Raslan gave a presentation about the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Australia and our KD community. We shared information about our mission, committee, community, achievements since the last IKDS, future goals, and a KD hero story.
This presentation can be viewed below:
The IKDS also featured a presentation on early data from the Prospective Surveillance of Kawasaki Disease in Australia: Diagnosis, Management and Outcomes. This was presented by Dr Ryan Lucas on behalf of the Kawasaki Disease Research Group, The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS). The 2019-2020 Kawasaki Disease Surveillance study is continuing to the end of 2023 to understand predictors of coronary behaviour.
Dr Ryan Lucas also provides expert advice to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Australia, and is finishing his PhD on Kawasaki Disease in Australia.
An article on this study was published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health around the time of the symposium. This can be read here – Lucas R JPCH 2021
Ryan’s presentation can be viewed below: