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| Abstracts of Interviews
from the History of KD Project |
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| Dr. Zulfikar Ahamed |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Zulfikar Ahamed
Trivandrum, India
20 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Zulfikar Ahamed, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Subhash Arya |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Subhash Arya
Delhi, India
16 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Subhash Arya, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Subhash Arya, conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner, Dr. Arya offers his insights about the growing of awareness of and knowledge about Kawasaki disease in India. Dr. Arya, a practicing pediatrician for the past thirty years and currently the Director of the Center for Child Health at New Friends Colony Hospital in Delhi, India, also shares his personal experience with the illness.
Dr. Arya provides some background information on the hospital in which he works and the typical patient population seen there. He explains how even though the first Indian Kawasaki case was described by a physician at his hospital in 1977, it was still a very long time before any more cases were diagnosed there. Dr. Arya states that many physicians considered the diagnosis, but due to the lack of experience dealing with it no confirmed cases were made in his hospital until the early 1990s.
He describes the first several cases of Kawasaki disease he saw as well as some other various cases he has encountered and his method for determining the diagnosis. Dr. Arya also discusses the typical age of his KD patients. They are much older than what is reported in other countries, so he feels this makes them somewhat atypical cases. Furthermore, Dr. Arya explains how it is much easier for him to treat a Kawasaki case with IVIG, even if it is only suspected, because he works in a private hospital where patients can afford the treatment much more often than in the Indian public hospitals that serve poorer populations.
When considering the increased number of Kawasaki disease cases in India recently, Dr. Arya believes that the growth is due to the fact that the disease was not as present in the past. He is convinced that the doctors were looking for it following the first patient report, but it just was not there. In closing, Dr. Arya addresses other common illnesses found in India and how they relate to KD.
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| Dr. Jayant Banerji |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Jayant
Banerji
Chandigarh, India
14 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Jayant Banerji, Dr. Jane
Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Jayant Banerji,
conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, provides
the reader with the perspective of a parent whose
child was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Dr. Banerji
provides the details of when his son showed signs
and symptoms of an illness and how at first he and
other doctors thought it was simply an allergic reaction.
As his son's health improved, Dr. Banerji noticed
that he still had a strawberry tongue and now his
fingers were peeling. Recognizing this as something
significant, Dr. Banerji took his son back to the
physician where the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease
discussed. Even though Dr. Banerji thought his son
surely had Kawasaki disease, he describes how felt
he needed to follow the pediatrician's guidance, which
allowed for a delay in treatment. On the seventh day
of illness, Dr. Banerji decided to receive a second
opinion. Immediately his son's illness was recognized
at Kawasaki disease and treatment was provided.
The discussion then leads into the follow-up care
of Kawasaki patients and how this incident with Dr.
Banerji's son served as an educational experience
for the pediatrician, who now recognizes and refers
patients with possible Kawasaki disease to physicians
with more expertise. Dr. Banerji then discusses issues
dealing with Kawasaki disease in India from the perspective
of a physician and as a parent.
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| Dr. John Bastian |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. John
Bastian
San Diego, California
January 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. John Bastian, Dr. Howard
Kushner Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. John Bastian, as
conducted by Dr. Howard Kushner, provides insight
to his career experiences and his involvement with
Kawasaki disease. Dr. Bastian, a pediatric immunologist
at Children's Hospital in San Diego, reveals why he
was drawn to practice pediatric medicine. He discusses
his experience with Kawasaki disease, including how
he first learned of the illness and his encounters
with patients presenting symptoms.
Dr. Bastian also speaks about the different treatment
options used in the past and currently, as well as
what he thinks about the different etiologic theories
for the illness. During this conversation, he describes
some of the research he became involved in with Kawasaki
disease and how that has played a role in his career.
Furthermore, Dr. Bastian addresses, in detail, the
spectrum of Kawasaki disease and how this has affected
the ability of physicians to diagnosis the illness.
He then discusses some of the issues he has with the
original case definition used for diagnosis and how
he and other colleagues took the initiative towards
changing the definition so that diagnoses can be made
more efficiently. Dr. Bastian closes the interview
discussing his perceptions of the current Kawasaki
disease research and provides his opinion of what
the next steps should be in the field.
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Drs. Srikanta Basu and
Jyotsna Sachdev |
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Abstract of Interview with Drs. Srikanta Basu and Jyotsna Sachdev
Chandigarh, India
15 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Srikanta Basu, Dr. Jyotsna Sachdev, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this joint interview with Drs. Srikanta Basu and Jyotsna Sachdev, conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, information is provided concerning the impact of Kawasaki disease in India. Dr. Sachdev, a private practice pediatrician in Chandigarh, India, tells of her recent experiences with patients she has suspected to have Kawasaki disease. She explains the referral process she goes through in order to ensure the patients receive the proper care and treatment at PGI from Dr. Surjit Singh and his team. Dr. Sachdev also expresses her thoughts on the increasing awareness of KD throughout India, the typical patient population she sees afflicted with the illness, and the many possible cases that could have been missed in India over the past several years.
Dr. Basu, a pediatrician who currently works in a government hospital in Chandigarh, India, describes his first experience with Kawasaki disease while working in Delhi. He explains that although he has not seen many cases of the illness, he thinks that it is a great problem for India. His interaction with KD patients is limited due to his work environment, but he says that when patients do come in with possible KD, he runs the recommended laboratory tests and then follows through with a referral to PGI.
Additionally, both physicians state that the increased media attention devoted to Kawasaki disease has augmented parent knowledge of the illness and that it is not difficult for them to suggest the diagnosis. Dr. Basu also believes that Kawasaki disease has been in India for a long time. It is just now that awareness is growing among physicians and more proper diagnosis are being made. He agrees with Dr. Sachdev that there is a great possibility that many previous cases have been missed throughout the country. In closing, the physicians comment on the amount of education concerning Kawasaki disease that should be provided to physicians during their medical training.
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| Dr. Anil Bhalla |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Anil Bhalla
San Diego, California
15 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Anil Bhalla, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Anil Bhalla, as conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner, some anthropological issues as related to Kawasaki syndrome are discussed. Dr. Bhalla, a physical anthropologist, elaborates on the current nutritional health of Indian children as well as traditional practices that occur during birth and childhood in regards to the parents seeking healthcare. Other cultural issues that act as barriers to the parent’s acceptance of a diagnosis of KS are also addressed. Dr. Bhalla provides insight to the societal issues that face India and how these effect the knowledge and treatment of Kawasaki syndrome in the country.
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| Dr. Jane Burns |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Jane
Burns
San Diego, California
05 January 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Christena Turner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Jane Burns,
conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Christena Turner,
Dr. Burns reveals her passion for working to solve
the mysteries behind Kawasaki disease. Dr. Burns provides
details of her background, her medical training, and
her first encounter with Kawasaki disease. She then
discusses some of her other medical interests and
how she incorporated these with Kawasaki disease to
formulate her career. Dr. Burns believes that all
medical professionals should be trained to ensure
that diagnoses of Kawasaki disease are properly made
and not missed. She reflects on her previous Kawasaki
disease experience, including her clinical work, using
new treatment methods, conducting laboratory research,
and developing a research team, in order to provide
more insight and to suggest future directions for
investigating the illness. Dr. Burns closes with her
personal thoughts about working so intently on a syndrome
to which she has devoted so much of her career.
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| Dr. Subroto Chakrabartty |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Suburoto Chakrabartty
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present at discussion: Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Subroto Chakrabartty, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Suburoto Chakrabartty, as conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns via video conference, he provides detailed information about his experience with Kawasaki disease as well as his personal opinions concerning future research and guidelines in the KD field. Dr. Chakrabartty, a pediatrician from the Rama Krishana Mission hospital in Calcutta, India, explains that the average age of his patients is from different from what the rest of India records. His average KD patient age is low, similar to what is reported from the US and Japan, while many other places in India are reporting a higher average age. Dr. Chakrabartty strongly feels that Kawasaki disease incidence is increasing rapidly in India and that something needs to be done to hinder this growth. He also states that due to his lack of awareness about the illness earlier in his career, it is very possible that he missed some diagnosis.
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| Dr. Taylor Chung |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Taylor
Chung
San Diego, California
February 2005
Present at Interview: Dr. Taylor Chung, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Taylor Chung,
as conducted by Rupert Macnee, aspects of radiological
imaging were discussed. Dr. Chung serves as a pediatric
radiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital. He
gives insight to radiological procedures that are
used for investigating the coronary arteries of patients
with Kawasaki Disease, such as cardiac catheterization,
CAT scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Dr. Chung describes a brief history and specific aspects
of each modality including properties of radiation
that may be of concern. Additionally, he provides
information of exactly what the child may experience
during each procedure.
In closing, Dr. Chung tells of how he became involved
with the evaluation of Kawasaki Disease patients and
gives details of the constant advancement in radiological
procedures. He believes the new techniques that are
being used for investigation will provide more precise
evaluation of the coronary arteries of children. He
hopes that this will allow for a more timely diagnosis
and treatment.
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| Dr. Michael Dillon |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr.
Michael Dillon
Kona, Hawaii
14 February 1999
Present at Interview: Dr. Michael Dillon, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena Turner
Abstract:
This interview with
Dr. Michael Dillon, conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner,
Jane Burns, and Christena Turner, provides information
on how Dr. Dillon became involved with Kawasaki
Disease, as well as his thoughts on the record keeping
of Kawasaki patients and the possible causes of
the disease. Dr. Dillon comments on his medical
practice as a pediatrician and pediatric nephrologists.
He tells how this brought him into contact with
Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Dillon is asked to comment
on his opinion of what should be included pathologically
in a Kawasaki diagnosis. This leads to discussion
of how and when patients are reported as being diagnosed
with Kawasaki Disease. Since Dr. Dillon has his
practice in the United Kingdom, he is able to give
insight to the number and severity of patients diagnosed
with Kawasaki Disease from the European countries.
He also refers to the history of the disease in
Europe. At the close of the interview, Dr. Dillon
comments on the importance of continuing research
of Kawasaki Disease.
Click here to access complete transcript (password required). |
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| Dr. Mary Glode |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Mary
Glode
Seattle, Washington
03 May 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Mary Glode, Dr. Christena
Turner
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Mary Glode, conducted
by Dr. Christena Turner, allows Dr. Glode to discuss
her medical career and her experience with Kawasaki
Disease. Dr. Glode opens with how she decided to become
a doctor and how she knew what she wanted to specialize
in. She describes her first exposure to Kawasaki Disease.
Dr. Glode relates how, when she was a medical student,
she encountered a very sick patient that no doctor
could properly diagnose. Now retrospectively, she
tells how she knows that patient had Kawasaki Disease.
Dr. Glode also explains why she is so interested in
Kawasaki Disease research and what she thinks are
important issues that need to be addressed. She discusses
her personal involvement with the disease, pointing
out why the study of this illness is so captivating
to her. Having so much knowledge about the illness,
Dr. Glode is able to assist in mapping out landmarks
in the history of Kawasaki Disease. She also discusses
the difficulties in dealing with this disease. Dr.
Glode recognizes that not all patients are the same
and so a doctor must be very careful and observant
with considering criteria for diagnosis. She points
how difficulties arise because the etiology is not
known. Dr. Glode comments on common misconceptions
made clinically as well as in the public. She concludes
this interview by addressing parental awareness and
involvement during diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki
Disease.
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access complete transcript (password required). |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Neeta Gupta
Trivandrum, India
20 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Neeta Gupta, Dr. Naveen Jain, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Raquel Hicks |
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Abstract of Interview
with Dr. Raquel Hicks
San Diego, California
06 May 2000
Present at Interview: Dr. Raquel Hicks,
Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Christena
Turner
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Raquel
Hicks, conducted by Drs. Jane Burns, Howard Kushner,
and Christena Turner, captures a snapshot of Dr. Hicks’
career at the Children’s Hospital in Honolulu,
Hawaii. The interview focuses mainly on her work with
Dr. Marian Melish and their encounters with Kawasaki
Disease. She begins discussion with describing how
during her rounds with Dr. Melish they began to see
children with similar symptoms, but without a clear
diagnosis. Dr. Hicks then goes on to tell how she
learned about Kawasaki Disease and the huge impact
it had on her medical career. She provides very detailed
descriptions of the symptoms of this disease. She
gives a strong impression of how sick children with
Kawasaki Disease are. Throughout the interview, Dr.
Hicks goes through many highlights of her work that
occurred because of Kawasaki Disease. She recaps various
papers, treatments, and her own medical practices
dealing with this disease. Dr. Hicks provides information
from her work and that of other influential characters
in the discovery of knowledge circulating around Kawasaki
Disease.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Naveen Jain
Trivandrum, India
20 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Neeta Gupta, Dr. Naveen Jain, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Hirohisa Kato |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Hirohisa
Kato
St. Louis, Missouri
27 March 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Hirohisa Kato, Dr. Jane
Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner.
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Hirohisa Kato,
conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner, provides
a look into Dr. Kato’s career and his experience
with Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Kato reflects back to the
first time he encountered Kawasaki Disease and how
the patients were treated at that time. He discusses
the symptoms of the disease, as well as why he personally
became interested in the illness. As a pediatric cardiologist,
Dr. Kato provides insight to cardiovascular symptoms
of Kawasaki Disease. He provides information on coronary
angiography and echocardiography and why they are
important in the treatment of patients with the illness.
Dr. Kato also explains his thoughts of possible causes
of the disease including viral, bacterial, and genetic
factors. At the close of the interview, Dr. Kato discusses
the importance of educating physicians and parents
on recognizing the symptoms and proper treatment of
Kawasaki Disease.
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Drs. Howard Kushner, Christena Turner,
Hiroke Shike, Tomisaku Kawasaki Feb 2005 (L to
R)
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Abstract of Interview
with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
San Diego, California
February 2005
Present at Interview: Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki,
Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Christena Turner, Translator
for Dr. Kawasaki, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this second in-dept interview
with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, as conducted by Drs. Howard
Kushner and Christena Turner, much valuable information
is provided to the historical understanding behind
Kawasaki disease. Dr. Kawasaki uses this interview
to reflect on his thoughts and actions during the
time when he first noticed a pattern of patients presenting
with a combination of signs and symptoms that later
became classified as Kawasaki disease. He gives details
that demonstrate how the social environment of Japan
and the occupational politics he experienced affected
the outcomes of what is known about his work through
publications. Additionally, he discusses his interactions
with other physicians who were also interested in
the same type of clinical presentations in patients.
In closing, Dr. Kawasaki presents his personal thoughts
on the similarities and differences between Infantile
Periarteritis Nodosa and Kawasaki disease.
Dr. Kawasaki contributes insightful information and
details that clarify issues and fill in the gaps that
exist in the historical context of Kawasaki disease.
This interview demonstrates how the history of Kawasaki
disease is always evolving as researchers refine questions
and dig deeper into the past to find the answers.
Click here to access complete transcript (password required). |
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Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki,
Dec. 1998
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Drs. Christena Turner, Howard Kushner, Tomisaku
Kawasaki, and Jane Burns, Dec. 1998
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Abstract of Interview
with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
Tokyo, Japan
06 December 1998
Present at Interview: Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki,
Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena
Turner, Dr. Tomayo Matsubara (Translator)
Abstract:
This in dept interview with
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner,
Jane Burns, and Christena Turner, provides a great
amount of information regarding Dr. Kawasaki’s
personal history and the story behind Kawasaki Disease.
The interview opens up with the interview team discussing
with Dr. Kawasaki information, such as surveys and
documents that he has kept with all of his records.
The discussion then leads into Dr. Kawasaki’s
opinion of how symptoms and observations of patients
should be recorded. He points out that if precise
descriptions of patient’s symptoms are not given,
one could be misdiagnosed with an illness similar
to Kawasaki Disease.
In order to gain some background information, Dr.
Kawasaki provides information about himself. He tells
some of his childhood memories on into how he ended
up in medicine. Dr. Kawasaki describes the “life-changing”
events he experienced at a student and early in his
practice. He mentions other doctors and how they influenced
his life and career. Dr. Kawasaki then tells of the
first cluster of patients he saw with the same symptoms,
but how he was unable to give them a clear diagnosis.
From this he began to research and collect data on
these patients and others who presented the same symptoms.
At the close of the interview, Dr. Kawasaki concludes
with how he went on to publish a paper presenting
his data and how the disease became known as Kawasaki
Disease.
Click here to access complete transcript (password required). |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Sandeep M. Kelkar
Thane, India
24 February 2006
Present at Discussion: Dr. Sandeep M. Kelkar, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Raju Khubchandani |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Raju Khubchandani
Mumbai, India
23 February 2006
Present at Discussion: Dr. Raju Khubchandani, Dr. Chetyna Khemani, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Raju Khubchandani |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Raju Khubchandani and his Medical Team
Mumbai, India
22 February 2006
Present at Discussion: Dr. Raju Khubchandani, Dr. Chetyna Khemani, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee, Female (black dress), Female (green dress), Male (plaid shirt), Male (purple shirt)
Abstract:
Dr. Raju Khubchandani and his medical team at the Jaslok hospital in Mumbai, India discussed the current understanding and treatment of Kawasaki syndrome in India. Dr. Khubchandani, a trained pediatrician who now also specializes in pediatric rheumatology, shares his experience with KS and why he is so interested in the illness.
Dr. Khubchandani finished medical school in Bombay, India in 1981. He practices as a general pediatrician for many years and then in 2000 he became trained in pediatric rheumatology at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, England. Additionally, in 2005 he received rheumatology training at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He saw his first diagnosed case of KS in 2002 following his return to India. However, he also recalls patients prior to this time that could have been diagnosed as having KS, but were missed. Dr. Khubchandani explains that before he started his training in rheumatology, he was not knowledgeable about KS in India and therefore was unable to make the diagnosis.
Following his interaction with his first KS patient, Dr. Khubchandani became more interested and learned more about the illness. Over time he diagnosed more cases and began making presentations on what he had found in his Mumbai practice. This led to more patients being referred to him for consultation. Additionally with his experience, Dr. Khubchandani took the opportunity to educate physicians and parents about Kawasaki syndrome.
Dr. Khubchandani explained the KS registry he has formulated and what types of resources, such as pamphlets, publications, and websites, he has for other physicians and parents. Throughout this discussion he addresses some of the difficulties India faces in regards to KS diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Khubchandani and his team comment also on the growing number of diagnosis over all of India and in their area specifically. Dr. Khubchandani and the research team then address some common issues that arise when discussing and researching Kawasaki syndrome. This interview illustrates that the Mumbai Kawasaki team, led by Dr. Raju Khubchandani, is very active in both treating KS and creating physician and parent awareness of Kawasaki syndrome in India. |
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Dr. Soichiro Kitamura |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Soichiro
Kitamura
St. Louis, Missouri
28 March 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Soichiro Kitamura, Dr.
Jane Burns
Abstract:
In this interview conducted by Dr. Jane
Burns, Dr. Soichiro Kitamura discusses how he became
a cardiovascular surgeon and encountered Kawasaki
Disease. Dr. Kitamura tells how when he first became
interested in cardiovascular surgery it was still
developing in Japan. He traveled to America to study
and participate in many surgeries where he learned
skills and techniques. Dr. Kitamura discusses his
first encounters with Kawasaki Disease when he returned
to Japan. He began to see young patients with coronary
artery disease and he learned the link between this
and Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Kitamura describes how he
then developed a coronary catheter for children. He
discusses the complicated bypass operations he has
performed. He provides information on how surgical
procedures have changed over the years and he discloses
his hope for his patients to live much longer than
clinical expectations.
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Dr. Vikas Kohli |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Vikas Kohli
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present during Discussion: Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This group dialogue with Drs. Vikas Kohli, Howard Kushner, and Jane Burns, offers insight to the Indian experience with Kawasaki syndrome. Dr. Kohli, a pediatric cardiologist, provides his thoughts on the age range of KS patients in India compared to other locations around the world. The conversation moves on to cover the cardiac studies and findings common in KS patients. Possible future studies and directions are also addressed. In closing, those present discuss the importance of a proper case definition and how it will affect treatment and research practices in the field.
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Remarks by Dr. Vikas Kohli following telemedicine interview with Dr. Kartic Nagesh
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present: Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee |
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Discussion with Dr. Vikas Kohli following telemedicine interview with Dr. Savitri Srivastava
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present: Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee |
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Dr. Shyam Kukreja |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shyam
Kukreja
Delhi, India
February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Arvind Taneja, Dr. Shyam
Kukreja, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Arvind Taneja and
Dr. Shyam Kukreja conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and
Howard Kushner, focuses on the first observed and
reported case of Kawasaki disease in India by Dr.
Arvind Taneja. Drs. Taneja and Kukreja also discuss
the rise in prevalence of Kawasaki disease in India
over the past several years. This discussion addresses
the question of whether the increase of reported cases
is due to an actual increase in the number of children
afflicted or is a result of heightened awareness of
the illness by Indian physicians. Dr. Kukreja presents
specific examples of an increase in Kawasaki disease
cases, while Dr. Taneja provides a historical perspective
from conversations he had with his father, a prominent
pediatrician, who reported that he had never seen
anything similar to this disorder in the past. Additionally,
the physicians share some of their current experiences
and challenges recognizing and treating Kawasaki disease
among their population. At the close of the interview,
all present discuss new research findings concerning
Kawasaki disease and compare treatment methods and
laboratory findings.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Suhas Kulkarni
Thane, India
24 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Suhas Kulkarni, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Ashok Kumar
Trivandrum, India
20 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Ashok Kumar, Neeta Gupta, Naveen Jain, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Lata Kumar |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Lata Kumar
Chandigarh, India
14 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Lata Kumar, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Lata Kumar, former director of department of pediatrics at the pediatric center of PGI in Chandigarh, conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, examines the history of the presence of Kawasaki syndrome in India. Dr. Kumar recounts the first time she learned about the illness and her experience with the first patient she diagnosed as having Kawasaki syndrome. She also discusses the possibility that she missed some cases of KS in the past because she and her colleagues were not very knowledgeable about the illness at that time. Dr. Kumar then elaborates on issues and problems that Indian doctors face today when diagnosing KS. These include the cost of the IVIG treatment, the need to have an echocardiography test, and the disproportionate knowledge about the illness among physicians and parents of afflicted children. These issues can complicate the problems faced by physicians trying to make the decision of whether or not to reach a diagnosis Kawasaki syndrome.
Dr. Kumar also discusses the presentation of specific patients, the co-morbities among KS patients, the predisposition for coronary artery disease among the Indian population, and the average age of a typical KD patient in India. In closing, Dr. Kumar provides her thoughts on the etiology of the illness.
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| Dr. Manoj Kumar |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Manoj Kumar
Chandigarh, India
15 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Manoj Kumar, assistant professor of pediatric cardiology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, was conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner. Dr. Kumar discusses his personal experience in medical practice and with Kawasaki disease. He describes his typical work week and his patient load. Dr. Kumar relates that coronary artery diseases remain a large problem in India for children and adults. Dr. Kumar also describes which procedures are most often performed and how the medical system functions in regards to cardiac practices.
Dr. Kumar describes his experience with Kawasaki disease, recounting the first KD patient he saw when he was completing his fellowship in Sydney, Australia and his more recent experience with the illness during his practice in Chandigarh, India. He also discusses issues, such as treatment and follow-up of patients as well as the possibility that some patients could have been missed by himself and his colleagues when we was in medical residency training in Delhi, India. In closing, Dr. Kumar addresses the issue of the increasing number of Kawasaki patients in India by saying he is sure that the awareness is increasing and that KD has become an important pediatric concern in India.
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Dr. Howard Kushner |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Howard
Kushner
San Diego, California
05 January 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane
Burns, Dr. Christena Turner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Howard Kushner,
as conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Christena Turner,
provides insight to the thoughts and reasoning behind
much of the current research behind Kawasaki disease
he has conducted. Dr. Kushner, a medical historian,
describes how he was drawn to psychology and neurobiology
through his interest and from this point how he began
working in the fields of medicine and public health.
He provides background information on himself, his
past research endeavors, and how he began working
with Kawasaki disease.
Dr. Kushner reflects on his experiences working with
a team that was first trying to find the cause of
Kawasaki disease and how their research questions
and aims evolved over many years. The accomplishments
of the team are noted, as well as future directions
for their research. Dr. Kushner also comments on the
previous, present, and future research efforts of
all concerning Kawasaki disease.
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| Dr. Howard Kushner |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Howard
Kushner
San Diego, California
February 2005
Present at Interview: Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert
Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview conducted by film producer
Rupert Macnee, Dr. Howard Kushner discusses how he
became involved in research of Kawasaki Disease. He
explains how his background as a medical historian
and public health research led to his recruitment
by Dr. Jane Burns into a collaborative effort to uncover
clues for the possible etiology Kawasaki Disease.
Dr. Kushner discusses how the histories of Kawasaki
disease influences how the illness is diagnosed, treated,
and understood; how competing histories have shaped
research agendas for KD. He addresses the current
KD case definitions and how they influence and sometimes
constrain diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Kushner elaborates
his views on obstacles that have constrained research
questions and presents his thinking on what constitutes
the most promising current research. Dr. Kushner is
persuaded that historical perspectives can be an important
tool for KD researchers and clinicians.
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| Dr. Benjamin Landing |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Benjamin
Landing
San Diego, California
14 August 1999
Present at Interview: Dr. Benjamin Landing, Mrs.
Landing, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena
Turner, Frederique DeVries
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Benjamin Landing,
a pediatric pathologist, conducted by Drs. Howard
Kushner, Jane Burns and Christena Turner, provides
information on how knowledge concerning Kawasaki Disease
was brought to the United States in the 1970s. The
interview opens with Dr. Landing telling how he got
involved in medicine. He describes a trip he took
to Japan where he was introduced to Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
and the idea of Kawasaki Disease. It is pointed out
in the interview that Dr. Landing thinks Kawasaki
Disease is indistinguishable from Infantile Periarteritis
Nodosa. He gives reasons and evidence of why he thinks
this.
After his trip to Japan, Dr. Landing brought the information
he had learned home to the United States. By working
with others who were interested in the illness, he
began doing research on past patient files and autopsies
to figure out how far back in history the disease
existed. The interview captures Dr. Landing’s
thoughts on possible causes and the pathology of Kawasaki
Disease. Dr. Landing comments on how Kawasaki Disease
is compared to other illness that involves coronary
tissue. He also goes into detail concerning atypical
cases.
Throughout the interview, discussion is held about
Dr. Landing’s publications. He tells of how
he gathered his data and what resources he used to
learn more about Kawasaki Disease.
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Dr. Eunice Larson |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Eunice
Larson
San Diego, California
12 November 1999
Present at Interview: Dr. Eunice Larson, Dr. Christena
Turner, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Eunice Larson,
conducted by Drs. Christena Turner, Howard Kushner,
and Jane Burns, captures a look at Dr. Larson’s
experience with Kawasaki Disease. She reflects on
her first case and how that lead to her work with
Dr. Benjamin Landing and Dr. Marion Melish. Dr. Larson
tells about an outbreak of cases that occurred in
Hawaii and her meetings with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
and his colleges from Japan. Dr. Larson also tells
of how Kawasaki Disease became recognized in the United
States. She comments on the case definition she used
early on and how it related to the one used by the
Japanese. She also provides historical information
of how the disease was treated in Japan.
During this interview, Dr. Larson recognizes the lack
of a national registry and how this has affected the
number of patients properly diagnosed and treated.
She provides her thoughts on when the disease probably
originated, as well as what causes it. She also stresses
how for some children that get the disease, it is
benign, but for others it can be fatal. In this conversation
with Dr. Larson much information on Kawasaki Disease
has been provided from her own experience and published
research.
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Dr. Shakuntala Lavasa |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shakuntala Lavasa
Chandigarh, India
14 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Shakuntala Lavasa, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Shakuntala Lavasa, as conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, provides details about her experience with Kawasaki disease and treating pediatric patients in India. Dr. Lavasa reflects on her patients in the past, prior to her learning about KD, and she is convinced that some probably had KD, but were incorrectly diagnosed. She discusses why these misdiagnoses were made and other more common illnesses these patients were thought to have. Dr. Lavasa also recounts her experience with her first patient that was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease and what clinical signs and symptoms she recognizes as part of the syndrome. Finally, Dr. Lavasa provides information concerning traditional health practices and home remedies for illnesses that are prevalent throughout India.
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Abstract of Lecture given by Dr.
Marian Melish,
Kawasaki Disease International Symposium,
December 1999
Abstract:
In this lecture, Dr. Marian Melish welcomes
all that are present to the Sixth Kawasaki Disease
International Symposium hosted by Drs. Tomisaku Kawasaki
and Jane Newberger. She presents the two hosts with
special leis of Hawaii given for great achievement.
Dr. Melish provides background information of her
medical career and how she was “kidnapped”
by Kawasaki Disease. She tells of her first encounter
with the disease and her early correspondence with
Dr. Kawasaki and his colleagues. Dr. Melish presents
a synopsis of the past meetings held concerning Kawasaki
Disease and she confronts the audience with a challenge.
She points out that researchers have taken great strides
when it comes to understanding the cardiac complications
of the disease; however she challenges researchers
to discover a diagnostic test for the illness.
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Abstract of 1st Interview with Dr.
Marian Melish
San Diego, California
03 April 2000
Present at Interview: Dr. Marian Melish, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena Turner, Dr.
John Bastian, Frederique DeVries
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Marian Melish,
a doctor of Infectious Disease, conducted by Drs.
Howard Kushner, Jane Burns, Christena Turner, John
Bastian and Frederique Devries, Dr. Melish provides
a snapshot of her early career and experience with
Kawasaki Disease. She tells of her first contact with
the disease early on as a resident at the University
of Rochester. She mentions that when she was treating
the patients she had never heard of the disease. Only
retrospectively can she affirm that these early patients
had Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Melish tells about her move
to take a fellowship at the University of Hawaii Children’s
Hospital. She recaps how she began working with Drs.
Raquel Hicks and Eunice Larson. She relates how they
began to see patients with similar symptoms however,
they were unsure of a diagnosis. Dr. Melish explains
how patients’ symptoms and tests that were performed.
She also comments on her own thoughts of possible
diagnosis. Dr. Melish tells about meeting doctors
from Japan, including Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who explained
Kawasaki Disease to her.
She continues throughout the interview to depict her
long involvement in Kawasaki disease research. She
discusses her own publications, as well as those from
other individuals involved in research. Dr. Melish
describes the cardiac complications seen in Kawasaki
Disease, as well as provides examples of atypical
cases. She discusses her views on the possible causes
of the syndrome and what she thinks may distinguish
fatal and benign outcomes.
She also suggests areas for further research in order
to discover the etiology of the syndrome.
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Abstract of 2nd Interview with Dr.
Marian Melish
St. Louis, Missouri
27 April 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Marian Melish, Dr. Jane
Burns, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This is the second of two interviews with
Dr. Marian Melish. In this interview, conducted by
Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Melish provides insight into her
early career, her background dealing with infectious
Disease, and how she became involved with Kawasaki
Disease. She discusses her experience with Dr. Raquel
Hicks and her correspondence with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki.
During this interview, Dr. Melish goes into more detail
about the patient population she saw afflicted with
Kawasaki Disease and the coronary difficulties these
patients were facing. Also, Dr. Melish discusses with
Dr. Burns details of the etiology of Kawasaki Disease,
as well as current treatment methods. She gives examples
of how the disease is similar to other infections,
but also how it distinguishes itself. Dr. Melish is
also able to map out landmarks of Kawasaki Disease
history as they occurred in Hawaii. At the close of
the interview, Dr. Melish gives her opinion of research
paths that should be ventured and she stress the importance
of physician and parental education of Kawasaki Disease.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr.
Bhavesh Mithiya
Thane, India
24 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Bhavesh Mithiya, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Jane
Burns, Rupert Macnee |
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Abstract of 1st Interview with Dr.
David Morens
Bethesda, Maryland
12 August 1999
Present at Interview: Dr. David Morens, Dr. Howard
Kushner
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. David Morens,
conducted by Dr. Howard Kushner, provides information
concerning historical aspects of Kawasaki Disease
in the United States. Dr. Morens comments on his work
and what he learned as medical student under Dr. Marian
Melish in Hawaii. He describes his first encounters
with patients who presented signs and symptoms of
what is now known as Kawasaki Disease. As these signs
and symptoms became more prevalent among patients,
Dr. Morens became more interested in what could be
causing this illness. He tells how he started doing
research of literature and patient cases dealing with
the disease. Dr. Morens then describes how he eventually
ended up at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
working in epidemiology.
The interview covers much of Dr. Morens work with
the CDC concerning Kawasaki Disease. He recaps how
the disease became known as Kawasaki Disease, how
he wrote the case definition, and his thoughts of
what could possibly cause the disease. Dr. Morens
discusses in detail how the case definition should
be used by clinical physicians and why how and why
he designed it. Throughout the interview, Dr. Morens
stresses the importance of treating patients with
suspected Kawasaki Disease. He also explains the importance
of finding the cause of the disease.
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Abstract of 2nd Interview with Dr.
David Morens
Bethesda, Maryland
19 May 2000
Present at Interview: Dr. David Morens, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. John Bastian, Frederique
DeVries
Abstract: This is the second of two interviews with
Dr. David Morens. This interview, conducted by Drs.
Howard Kushner, Jane Burns, John Bastian, and Frederique
DeVries, provides information on how Dr. Morens became
interested in Kawasaki Disease, as well as his subsequent
work on KD. Dr. Morens discussed documents and publications
that serve to illuminate the history of Kawasaki Disease.
He discusses the possible causes of the illness and
effects of treatment. Dr. Morens comments on individuals
he has worked with during his Kawasaki Disease research.
He also reflects back on cases and files he has studied
as a medical student, a medical resident, and after
he began working at the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC). He briefly mentions how he brought forth the
idea to study Kawasaki Disease to the CDC and eventually
wrote a case definition for the illness. Dr. Morens
also provided the interview team with the historical
timeline of Kawasaki Disease in the United States.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. S. Noel Narayanan
Trivandrum, India
20 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. S. Noel Narayanan, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki and
Dr. Jushichiro Naito |
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Abstract of Interview
with Dr. Jushichiro Naito
Tokyo, Japan
December 1998
Present at Interview: Dr. Jushichiro Naito, Dr. Jane
Burns, Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, Dr. Howard Kushner,
Dr. Christena Turner, Dr. Tomayo Matsubara (translator)
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Jushichiro Naito,
conducted by Drs. Jane Burns, Howard Kushner and Christena
Turner in Tokyo, Japan, provides information about
work Dr. Naito completed with assistance from Dr.
Kawasaki. Dr. Naito was asked to reflect back through
his career as a doctor. He provided information concerning
diseases that were prevalent in Japan before World
War II as compared to those that were being diagnosed
following the war. This led to further discussion
of treatment of these diseases and the introduction
of antibiotics into Dr. Naito’s medical practices.
Within this reflection Dr. Naito also comments on
his first patient with probable Kawasaki Disease.
He continued conversation with his reasoning of why
the war did not bring Kawasaki Disease into Japan.
The interview closes with Dr. Naito and Dr. Kawasaki
discussing the link between Kawasaki Disease and Stephen
Johnson Syndrome.
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| Drs. Jane Burns, Tomisaku Kawasaki,
and Shiro Naoe (l to r), December 1998 |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shiro
Naoe
Tokyo, Japan
10 December 1998
Present at Interview: Dr. Shiro Naoe, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, Dr.
Christena Turner, Dr. Tomayo Matsubara (translator)
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Shiro Naoe, conducted
by Drs. Howard Kushner, Jane Burns, and Christena
Turner, provides information on historical aspects
of Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Naoe reviews cases with the
interview team and discusses when Kawasaki Disease
started. He then compares the symptoms of Kawasaki
Disease to similar diseases. Dr. Naoe then comments
on how he thinks Dr. Kawasaki’s work distinguished
Kawasaki Disease from comparable illnesses.
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Dr. Kartic Nagesh |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Kartic Nagesh
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present at Interview:Dr. Kartic Nagesh, Dr. Narayana Hrudakya, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Kartic Nagesh was conducted via video conference by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner. This technology, called Telemedicine, is a way for physicians to consult each other even when they are several hundred miles between them. Dr. Nagesh, a pediatrician at Bangalore Municipal Hospital, India, discussed the case of his patient, an 11 year-old boy with giant aneurysms, who had been examined, including by echocardiography by Drs. Kohli and Burns at Apollo Hospital in Delhi the day before. Dr. Nagesh discusses the child’s case history, diagnosis, echocardiography testing, consultation, and follow-up visits.
Dr. Nagesh then describes his personal experience with other Kawasaki disease patients and how he and his colleagues are attempting to make a KD registry for their region. Dr. Burns is also able to advise Dr. Nagesh on questions he asks about certain laboratory tests that should be ordered in attempt to recognize the illness early and her opinion about a patient where it is being considered if he has KD or not.
Dr. Nagesh also gives his opinion concerning the increasing incidence of Kawasaki disease in India. Initially, he asserts that the growth of numbers is due purely to an increase in awareness among physicians. However, as he reflects more on the question of whether if he could have missed any cases since 1983 when he started his practice, he admits that Kawasaki disease must also be a new illness in the country. Thus, Dr. Nagesh concludes that the awareness among physicians grew as the incidence of KD increasingly was discovered and diagnosed in India.
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Dr. Anil
Narang |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Anil
Narang
Chandigarh, India
14 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Anil Narang, Dr. Jane Burns,
Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Anil Narang, as
conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner, provides
detailed information about the Postgraduate Institute
of Medical Education and Research (PGI) located in
Chandigarh, India. Dr. Narang explains the structure
of the institute as well as the education model it
provides for physicians. He also discusses his personal
and the institute's experiences with Kawasaki disease.
Dr. Narang recounts when he first learned of the illness
and provides his thoughts concerning the large time
gap between the first reported case in India and more
recent diagnosis. He believes that during that time
gap, there must have been misdiagnosis made because
physicians were not as aware or knowledgeable about
the illness. Dr. Narang also comments on other factors
that have influenced the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease
in the country including other common diseases, physician
workload, patient access to healthcare and health
education, and high rates of infant mortality. The
interview closes with Dr. Narang discussing the planned
healthcare and health education for India's future.
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| Dr. Raghavan |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Sreekant Raghavan
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Sreekant Raghavan, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview, conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, Dr. Raghavan provides his perspective of the Indian experience with Kawasaki disease. Dr. Raghavan, a pediatrician from Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, India, completed some of his medical training in the U.S. where he worked with Dr. Stan Shulman at Northwestern University Hospital. Through this training, his interest in the illness grew. Dr. Raghavan states that since he has returned to India from the U.S., his experience with KD has been rather limited. However, from the cases he has seen and is knowledgeable about, he feels that most Indian cases present atypically instead of with the classic case definition signs and symptoms. Additionally, Dr. Raghavan believes that there are fewer incidents of aneurysms resulting from KD in Indian patients compared to what other countries report in their patients.
Considering why there has been such an increase in the number of Kawasaki disease cases in India recently, Dr. Raghavan holds the opinion that it is a result of both the awareness among physicians rising and that the actual level of illness is growing. He states that he does not think India has even seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Kawasaki disease. He believes that there are many undiagnosed cases that have been missed. Dr. Raghavan also discusses, in detail, his experience with patients and issues that make diagnosising KD difficult.
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 |
Dr. Anne
Rowley |
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Dr. Anne Rowley(r)
in laboratory with student
(l) |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Anne
Rowley
Seattle, Washington
29 June 2005
Present at Interview: Dr. Anne Rowley, Dr. Christena
Turner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Anne Rowley, conducted
by Dr. Christena Turner, provides information on Dr.
Rowley’s medical background and accomplishments.
Dr. Rowley tells how she became interested in medical
research and involved with Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Rowley
confides her personal frustrations with the disease,
as well as what inspirations she finds for her work.
She stresses the importance of finding the etiology
of Kawasaki Disease. She discusses the work she has
done in order to come closer to finding the cause
and gives her opinion of some of the most interesting
possibilities. During this interview, Dr. Rowley provided
many details of research techniques and methods she
uses to interpret evidence of Kawasaki Disease. Dr.
Rowley speculates on the causes of the illness in
children. She also provides possible explanations
for the broad spectrum of how patients are affected
by the disease. Dr. Rowley addresses clinical struggles
in respect to Kawasaki Disease. She discusses the
difficulties in diagnosing a Kawasaki Disease patient
and the education of physicians and parents. She comments
on common misconceptions of the illness providing
explanations of why some exist. Closing the interview,
Dr. Rowley talks about milestones in Kawasaki Disease
history and steps for future research.
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Tomisau Kawasaki and
Itsuzo Shigematsu |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Itsuzo
Shigematsu
Tokyo, Japan
7 December 1998
Present at interview: Dr. Itsuzo Shigematsu, Dr.
Howard Kushner, Dr. Christena Turner, Dr. Jane Burns,
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, Dr. Tomayo Matsubara (translator)
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Itsuzo Shigematsu,
conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner, Christena Turner,
and Jane Burns, with additional input from Dr. Tomisaku
Kawasaki, provides information on the first cases
of Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Shigematsu provides recollection,
from memory, of his first encounter with patients
that presented a pattern of symptoms with which he
was unable to clearly diagnose. He goes on to discuss,
with input from Dr. Kawasaki, their recognition of
a new disease. Dr. Shigematsu provides insight to
what he thinks could be possible causes of Kawasaki
Disease. The interviewers also seek clarification
from the doctors in attempt to determine the first
case of Kawasaki Disease.
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Dr. Stanford Shulman |
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| Dr. Shulman giving a presentation |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Stanford
Shulman
Seattle, Washington
03 May 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Stanford Shulman, Dr. Christena
Turner
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Stanford Shulman,
as conducted by Dr. Christena Turner, provides a snapshot
of his career in respect to Kawasaki Disease. Dr.
Shulman reveals why he first became interested in
medicine and pediatrics. He also describes how after
his years of training in infectious disease, his interests
lead him to Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Shulman discusses
how even with a busy medical career why his attention
is continually drawn back to Kawasaki Disease. He
tells of when he first learned of the illness and
when he was first involved with an official diagnosis.
Dr. Shulman goes through the historical landmarks
of the illness as well as ones he hopes to see in
the future. He addresses misconceptions about the
illness that have surfaced among patients and physicians.
Also, he provides information on how physicians should
go about diagnosing a patient with Kawasaki Disease.
Dr. Shulman remarks on research that has been completed
in the past and on projects that he thinks will prove
useful results to answering questions that surround
Kawasaki Disease. He suggests some ideas that may
need to be revisited. Dr. Shulman tells of his research
experiences including describing his role in the multi-centered
clinical trials. He provides insight to his own career,
personal stories and accomplishments.
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|
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Drs. Sam Spector,
Tomisaku Kawasaki, and Jane
Burns (sitting L to R); Dr. Howard Kushner and
Mrs. Kawasaki (standing L to R) |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Sam
Spector
03 November 1998
Present at Interview: Dr. Sam Spector, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena Turner
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Sam Spector, conducted
by Drs. Howard Kushner, Jane Burns, and Christena
Turner, provides background information on America’s
medical practices in the 1930s thru 1960s. It also
provides details on what illnesses were seen in America
at this time. Dr. Spector discusses high the incidence
of scarlet and rhuematic fever. He describes the symptoms
patients presented and how they were treated. This
discussion considers the use of antibiotics and exactly
how serious these diseases could be.
Dr. Spector recalls his 1939 case of a young female
patient. He recaps her symptoms, as well as her results
from tests conducted. The interview team, along with
Dr. Spector, look at her medical records to see if
it is possible that she could have had Kawasaki Disease.
The team and Dr. Spector consider how the female responded
to treatment in addition to her clinical condition.
Following this discussion, Dr. Spector reflects on
his history as a medical professional and his dealings
with Kawasaki Disease. He considers what could possible
cause Kawasaki Disease, how individuals react differently,
and how it compares to other diseases. Overall, this
interview with Dr. Spector provides insight on the
history of childhood diseases.
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|
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Drs. Jane Burns, Howard Kushner, and Surjit Singh |
 |
Dr. Surjit Singh |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Surjit Singh
Chandigarh, India
15 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Surjit Singh, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview, conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner, Dr. Surjit Singh, Associate Professor of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, provides a comprehensive overview of Kawasaki disease in India. A leading expert on KD in India, Dr. Singh recounts his first encounter with a KD patient when he was in pediatric immunology training at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street in the United Kingdom. Dr. Singh relates how he carried this experience and knowledge with him back to India. This allowed him to diagnose his first Indian patient with KD while working at the PGI in Chandigarh, India. Dr. Singh also provides details about this first patient as well as subsequent patients he has seen and treated for KD.
Dr. Singh also presents his perspective on the increasing number of KD diagnoses in India. He is persuaded that the increasing number of these diagnoses is due to an increase in awareness about the illness among Indian physicians. Dr. Singh believes that KD provides a significant clinical challenge to him and other physicians making it a fascinating illness to study. He also discusses the challenges that he and his colleagues face when determining the diagnosis as well as the various clinical and laboratory tests performed in order to accurately rule in or rule out KD and various other illnesses. In addition to these challenges, Dr. Singh addresses the clinical signs and symptoms seen in Indian KD patients compared to other reports from different locations around the world.
Dr. Singh provides information concerning the average number of reported Kawasaki cases from different areas in India. He explains that it is difficult to seek out possible missed fatal cases from the past because of the general cultural reluctance to perform autopsies on children or to obtain records of previous autopsy investigations. In closing, Dr. Singh discusses some of the first diagnosis of Kawasaki disease made in India.
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|
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Dr. Javitri Srivastava |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Javitri Srivastava
Delhi, India
16 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Javitri Srivastava, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Javitri Srivastava, as conducted by Drs. Howard Kushner and Jane Burns, provides detailed information about the experience with Kawasaki disease in health facilities in Delhi, India. Dr. Srivastava, a pediatric cardiologist, gives her perspective of this experience based on her practice at Escorts Heart Institute and All Indian Institute of Medical Science. She states that in the past nine years, out of about sixty patients screened for KD, only five positive cases have been determined. Dr. Srivastava explains her diagnoses are based on referrals from treating pediatricians. She indicates that there may be some cases that were missed or that she is not aware of due to the referral system.
Dr. Srivastava also recounts how improvements in both technology and knowledge over the past several years have assisted her and others in making more accurate diagnoses of Kawasaki disease. The discussion with Dr. Srivastava also addresses KD prevalence zonal differences due to geography and genetics within the country and how this affects hospitals and medical institutes.
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| Dr. P.V. Suresh |
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Abstract of Telemedicine Interview with Dr. P.V. Suresh
Delhi, India
17 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. P.V. Suresh, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. P.V. Suresh was conducted via video conference by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner. This technology, called Telemedicine, is a way for physicians to consult each other even when they are several hundred miles between them.
Dr. Suresh, an adult cardiologist from Bangalore, India, discussed the case of his patient, an 11 year-old boy with giant aneurysms, who had been examined, including by echocardiography by Drs. Kohli and Burns at Apollo Hospital in Delhi the day before. Dr. Suresh discusses the child’s case history, diagnosis, echocardiography testing, consultation, and follow-up visits. Dr. Suresh notes that the number of KD patients in his region may be higher than the numbers he has been seeing because he is unsure of the patient numbers from other hospitals in the area. Dr. Suresh also describes two adult patients he has seen for coronary artery aneurisms who have no history of generalized atherosclerosis. These patients may have had undiagnosed Kawasaki disease earlier in their life.
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Dr. Masato Takahashi |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Masato
Takahashi
St. Louis, Missouri
29 March 2003
Present at Interview: Dr. Masato Takahashi, Dr. Jane
Burns
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Masato Takahashi,
as conducted by Dr. Jane Burns, demonstrates the link
between Japan and America in the study of Kawasaki
Disease. Dr. Takahashi tells of his history with Kawasaki
Disease and since he his bilingual, he assisted both
Japanese and American research. Being a cardiologist,
Dr. Takahashi discusses his interest in the cardiac
complications some Kawasaki Disease patients suffer.
He describes his design of a pediatric coronary artery
catheter and how this has been used. Dr. Takahashi
points out how important it is to continue follow-up
cardiac studies on patients. Also, in this discussion
he talks about the treatment methods for Kawasaki
Disease and how, over the years, better treatment
has lead to a decline in coronary aneurysms. Finally,
Dr. Takahashi closes with his desire to re-define
the case definition and to raise awareness of Kawasaki
Disease.
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| Drs. Howard Kushner, Noboru Tanaka,
and
John Bastian (l to r) |
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Abstract of Lecture
given by Dr. Noboru Tanaka
San Diego, California
06 December 1999
Abstract:
In this lecture given by Dr. Noboru Tanaka
information is presented on MCLS, which is now known
as Kawasaki Disease. The cases presented have been
autopsied and studied. Dr. Tanaka discusses the deaths
of two MCLS patients in the 1960s and the autopsies
he conducted on them. In both children he attributed
death to heart complications, such as arteritis, myocarditis,
and other heart conditions. Dr. Tanaka addresses the
resistance of Dr. Kawasaki to Dr. Tanaka’s assertion
in the mid-1960s that MCLS patients could die from
heart complications. He points out that his claims
were vindicated as more autopsies were conducted and
now it is widely accepted that heart disease is a
possible sequelae of Kawasaki Disease.
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Dr. Noboru Tanaka |
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Abstract of Interview
with Dr. Noboru Tanaka
San Diego, California
07 December 1999
Present at Interview: Dr. Noboru Tanaka, Chie Tanaka,
Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Christena Turner, Dr. Howard Kushner,
Dr. John Bastian, Frederique DeVries
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Noboru Tanaka,
pediatric pathologist, is the second of two. As conducted
by Drs. Christena Turner, Jane Burns, Howard Kushner,
and John Bastian, this interview reviews Dr. Tanaka’s
experience with Kawasaki Disease, especially his role
in linking early fatal cases to the signs and symptoms
of KD. He reviews and discusses his publications and
research o KD going back to the 1960s. He describes
his experience on a research committee appointed by
the Ministry of Health in Japan. Dr. Tanaka shows
the team the case definitions and national surveys
from 1970-1974 formulated by this committee. He points
out how important issues got lost in the translation
from Japanese to English. He also describes how the
guidelines changed over the years and reviews the
results of the surveys. He tells of how he stressed
to clinicians the importance of including cardiac
problems in the guidelines; however his suggestions
were met with resistance until the doctors who completed
the surveys reported cardiac complications and death.
A pathologist, Dr. Tanaka, provides information on
when autopsies could have been conducted on children
in Japan during the past. He also relates this to
the number of missed cases. Finally, Dr. Tanaka reflects
on publications and meetings with other doctors researching
Kawasaki Disease.
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| Dr. Arvind Taneja |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Arvind
Taneja
Delhi, India
16 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Arvind Taneja, Dr. Shyam
Kukreja, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Arvind Taneja and
Dr. Shyam Kukreja conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and
Howard Kushner, focuses on the first observed and
reported case of Kawasaki disease in India by Dr.
Arvind Taneja. Drs. Taneja and Kukreja also discuss
the rise in prevalence of Kawasaki disease in India
over the past several years. This discussion addresses
the question of whether the increase of reported cases
is due to an actual increase in the number of children
afflicted or is a result of heightened awareness of
the illness by Indian physicians. Dr. Kukreja presents
specific examples of an increase in Kawasaki disease
cases, while Dr. Taneja provides a historical perspective
from conversations he had with his father, a prominent
pediatrician, who reported that he had never seen
anything similar to this disorder in the past. Additionally,
the physicians share some of their current experiences
and challenges recognizing and treating Kawasaki disease
among their population. At the close of the interview,
all present discuss new research findings concerning
Kawasaki disease and compare treatment methods and
laboratory findings.
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| Dr. Kathryn Taubert |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Kathryn
Taubert
San Diego, California
February 2005
Present at Interview: Dr. Kathryn Taubert, Rupert
Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview with Dr. Kathryn Taubert,
as conducted by film producer Rupert Macnee, she discusses
how she became involved with Kawasaki Disease on a
personally and professionally. Dr. Taubert serves
as the Senior Science Advisor for the American Heart
Association National Center in Dallas, Texas. She
explains how when she first came to the American Heart
Association she learned of Kawasaki Disease, which
then sparked her desire to uncover the mysteries of
the illness. Dr. Taubert addresses recent areas of
research and what work she thinks finding the causative
agent of the syndrome is going to take. She goes on
to talk about the importance of having international
and region conferences where researchers can discus
their ideas concerning Kawasaki Disease. She believes
that the American Heart Association plays a major
role in this exchange of ideas by co-sponsoring many
events and understanding certain aspects of this illness.
In closing, Dr. Taubert speaks on what she personally
feels parents of newly diagnosed children should know.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shantilal Thakker
Thane, India
24 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Shantilal Thakker, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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| Dr. Christena Turner,
Jan. 2006 |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Christena
Turner
San Diego, California
January 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Christena Turner, Dr. Howard
Kushner, Dr. Jane Burns, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This interview with Dr. Christena Turner,
as conducted by Drs. Jane Burns and Howard Kushner,
provides insightful information concerning her background
and her involvement working with Kawasaki disease.
Dr. Turner, a cultural anthropologist, reveals how
she was persuaded to work with the University of California,
San Diego Kawasaki Research Team and what aspects
of the project she was drawn to. She discusses what
she feels physicians can learn from the parents of
children who are ill as well as how parents and physicians
can communicate more effectively. Dr. Turner also
provides perspective into how a researcher's thoughts
concerning an issue can evolve while investigating
the issue over long periods of time. In closing, she
discusses current cultural issues concerning Kawasaki
disease research and provides recommendations for
future research endeavors.
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Prakash Vaidya
Thane, India
24 February 2006
Present at Interview: Dr. Prakash Vaidya, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee |
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Drs. Kristanth Weerasauriya
and Howard Kushner |
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Abstract of Conversation with Dr.
Kristanth Weerasauriya
Delhi, India
11 February 2006
Present at Conversation: Dr. Kristanth Weerasauriya,
Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert Macnee
Abstract:
This conversation between Dr. Kristanth
Weerasauriya and Dr. Howard Kushner focused on the
Indian healthcare system and its pharmaceutical environment.
Dr. Weerasauriya, a clinical pharmacologist from Sri
Lanka and Director, Division of Essential Drugs and
Medications for WHO, South Asia, discusses the effectiveness
of disease modeling and the role of government in
the delivery of healthcare. Dr. Weerasauriya recounts
discussions he has had with Indian Ministry of Health
officials concerning the overall health of the country.
He describes how during these discussions successes
and failures were identified by the officials. Dr.
Weerasauriya provides great detail about how and why
these events can be labeled as a success or a failure.
He offers his analysis about the value of education
and how that can affect individual and population
health. Dr. Weerasauriya also discusses the pharmaceutical
industry in India including the quality and effectiveness
of medications, as well as regulations and advertisements
produced by the pharmaceutical companies.
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Dr. Takajiro Yamamoto, December 1998 |
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Photo of Drs. Takajiro Yamamoto and Tomisaku
Kawasaki (l to r), December 1998 |
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Photo of Drs. Tomayo Matsubara, Christena Turner,
and Takajiro Yamamoto (l to r), December 1998 |
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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Takajiro
Yamamoto
Tokyo, Japan
08 December 1998
Present at Interview: Dr. Takajiro Yamamoto, Dr.
Tomisaku Kawasaki, Dr. Howard Kushner, Dr. Christena
Turner, Dr. Tomayo Matsubara (translator)
Abstract:
Dr. Takajiro Yamamoto, interviewed by
Drs. Howard Kushner and Christena Turner, with additional
input from Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, provides information
from Japan on Kawasaki Disease. He tells of how and
when he became involved with Kawasaki Disease. Dr.
Yamamoto comments on the first national survey and
autopsies conducted in Japan. He explains how this
was very important to his own research on Kawasaki
Disease. Dr. Yamamoto then discusses how the Kawasaki
Disease relates to other “man-made” diseases,
such as mercury and lead poisoning. He tells how he
has looked at many different possible causes of Kawasaki
Disease. He has researched ideas from pharmaceuticals
to animals to even household items in attempt to find
a cause. Dr. Yamamoto provides historical information,
as well as giving insight to searching for the cause
of Kawasaki Disease.
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Photo of Dr. Kushner, Dr. Burns and Pediatric
Fellows |
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Abstract of Group Interview with
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Pediatric Fellows
Chandigarh, India
13 February 2006
Present at Interview: Group of Pediatric Fellows
from PGI, Dr. Jane Burns, Dr. Howard Kushner, Rupert
Macnee
Abstract:
In this interview, conducted by Drs. Jane
Burns and Howard Kushner, a group of pediatric fellows
from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education
and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh, India, provide information
concerning their knowledge of and experience with
Kawasaki disease. The interview opens with a discussion
about the Indian healthcare system. The fellows comment
on the differences between the public and private
sectors of healthcare and how these differences play
a role in the diagnosing and treatment of Kawasaki
disease. The group also addresses the increasing number
of Kawasaki patients in India. Some were convinced
that the increasing diagnosis of KD represents an
actual increase in the syndrome, while others thought
that the increase in the number of diagnoses resulted
from more awareness of Kawasaki disease among physicians.
The group also discussed the presentations of symptoms
that they see in their patients and how this differs
from the classic KD diagnosis phenotype and from patient
presentations in other countries. The fellows also
examined the barriers of Kawasaki disease diagnosis
in India. There appears to be some resistance among
physicians to accept this diagnosis as well as a lack
of both professional and popular knowledge of KD in
India. Limited resources and the high cost of treatment
also have played a role in restricting diagnosis and
treatment. The interview concludes with a discussion
among the doctors about the possible etiology and
other factors that might contribute to the illness.
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