What is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries?

What is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries?

Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. In developing countries it will be rheumatic heart disease.

Timely treatment of Kawasaki disease with intravenous immunoglobulin can reduce the incidence of coronary aneurysms from 25% to around 4%. Children with coronary aneurysms due to Kawasaki disease needs lifelong cardiology follow up. The prognosis depends on the initial and current level of coronary involvement. Some children may develop coronary obstruction and thrombosis leading to myocardial infarction. Revascularization procedures may be needed in some of them.

Reference

1. McCrindle BW, Rowley AH, Newburger JW, Burns JC, Bolger AF, Gewitz M, Baker AL, Jackson MA, Takahashi M, Shah PB, Kobayashi T, Wu MH, Saji TT, Pahl E; American Heart Association Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Management of Kawasaki Disease: A Scientific Statement for Health Professionals From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2017 Apr 25;135(17):e927-e999.