Abstract of Interview with Dr. Mary Glode
Seattle, Washington
03 May 2003

Photo of Dr. Glode

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Raquel Hicks
San Diego, California
06 May 2000

Photo of Dr. Hicks

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. Hirohisa Kato
St. Louis, Missouri
27 March 2003

Photo of Dr. Hirohisa Kato

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
San Diego, California
February 2005

Drs. Howard Kushner, Christena Turner, Hiroke Shike, Tomisaku Kawasaki Feb 2005 (L to R)

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.

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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
Tokyo, Japan
06 December 1998

Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, Dec. 1998	Drs. Christena Turner, Howard Kushner, Tomisaku Kawasaki, and Jane Burns, Dec. 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 open 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.

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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Soichiro Kitamura
St. Louis, Missouri
28 March 2003

Photo of Dr. Kitamura

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shyam Kukreja
Delhi, India
February 2006

Photo of Dr. Shyam Kukreja

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. Howard Kushner
San Diego, California
05 January 2006

Photo of Dr. Kushner

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Howard Kushner
San Diego, California
March 2005

Photo of Dr. Kushner

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Benjamin Landing
San Diego, California
14 August 1999

Photo of Dr. Benjamin Landing

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Eunice Larson
San Diego, California
12 November 1999

Photo of Dr. Larson

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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Abstract of Lecture given by Dr. Marian Melish,
Kawasaki Disease International Symposium,
December 1999

Photo of Dr. Marian Melish

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

Photo of Dr. Marian Melish

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 1st Interview with Dr. David Morens
Bethesda, Maryland
12 August 1999

Photo of David Morens

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. Jushichiro Naito
Tokyo, Japan
December 1998

Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki and Dr. Jushichiro Naito

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Shiro Naoe
Tokyo, Japan
10 December 1998

Photo of Drs. Jane Burns, Tomisaku Kawasaki, and Shiro Naoe (l to r), 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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Anne Rowley
Seattle, Washington
29 June 2005

Photo of Dr. Rowley	Dr. Anne Rowley(r) in laboratory with student (l)

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Itsuzo Shigematsu
Tokyo, Japan
7 December 1998

Photo of Tomisau Kawasaki and Itsuzo Shigematsu

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Stanford Shulman
Seattle, Washington
03 May 2003

Photo of Dr. Shulman

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.

Photo of Dr. Shulman giving a presentation

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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Sam Spector
03 November 1998

Drs. Sam Spector, Tomisaku Kawasaki, and Jane Burns (sitting L to R); Dr. Howard Kushner and Mrs. Kawasaki (standing L to R)

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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Masato Takahashi
St. Louis, Missouri
29 March 2003

Photo of Dr. Masato Takahashi

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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Abstract of Lecture given by Dr. Noboru Tanaka
San Diego, California
06 December 1999

Photo of Drs. Howard Kushner, Noboru Tanaka, and John Bastian (l to r)

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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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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Abstract of Interview with Dr. Arvind Taneja
Delhi, India
16 February 2006

Photo of Dr. Arvind Taneja

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. 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. Christena Turner
San Diego, California
January 2006

Photo of Dr. Christena Turner, Jan. 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 Conversation with Dr. Kristanth Weerasauriya
Delhi, India
11 February 2006

Photo of Dr. Kristanth Weerasauriya

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.

Abstract of Interview with Dr. Takajiro Yamamoto
Tokyo, Japan
08 December 1998

Photo of Dr. Takajiro Yamamoto, 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 Drs. Takajiro Yamamoto and Tomisaku Kawasaki (l to r), December 1998	Photo of Drs. Tomayo Matsubara, Christena Turner, and Takajiro Yamamoto (l to r), December 1998