At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), our Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program brings together a multidisciplinary team to deliver the most advanced care for you and your child.

Expert care from world-renowned CHOP specialists 

The Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program at CHOP includes internationally recognized experts in Kawasaki disease, coronary artery anomalies, cardiac anticoagulation and thrombosis, and pediatric cardiology in general. 

While Kawasaki disease is a rare condition, it is not rare for our team. 

At CHOP, we routinely evaluate patients with Kawasaki disease, and we also provide second opinions and consultations regionally, nationally and internationally for patients with significant coronary artery aneurysms.

Collaborative programs at CHOP

We collaborate closely with two of CHOP’s leading clinical programs. The medical directors of these programs serve as key members of our Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program. 

This collaborative approach benefits patients and their families.

Cardiac anticoagulation and thrombosis program

The Cardiac Anticoagulation and Thrombosis Program was developed in 2013 as a multidisciplinary initiative coordinated by the Divisions of Cardiology and Hematology to reduce the incidence and complications of thrombosis (blood clots) in all cardiac patients, and to improve anticoagulation monitoring in cardiac center outpatients. 

The program is led by Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program Associate Director Theresa Giglia, MD, FAHA, and is composed of nurse practitioners, cardiologists, hematologists and pharmacists. The team consults all hospitalized patients with blood clots or in need of anticoagulation medication, ensuring optimal management and a seamless transfer home from the hospital. This team also manages more than 300 patients on anticoagulants — including direct oral anticoagulants — even after they’ve returned home.

The program, which places an emphasis on state-of-the-art care and patient and family lifestyle and satisfaction, has special interest and expertise in patients with Kawasaki disease and their unique need for antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy.

Coronary anomaly management program

The Coronary Anomaly Management Program (CAMP) provides complete care and monitoring for children, adolescents and young adults with congenital coronary artery anomalies. Julie Brothers, MD, is the Medical Director of CAMP and a key member of the Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program thanks to her vast expertise in coronary artery anomalies.

Coronary artery anomalies can be difficult to manage, and the CAMP team brings together the world’s leading experts to care for children with these complex conditions. 

Global collaboration and experience with Kawasaki disease

Our Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program is active in the global Kawasaki disease community, including the International Kawasaki Disease Registry and various national and international Kawasaki disease committees and organizations. 

The aim of this collaboration is to increase awareness of Kawasaki disease, enhance our collective understanding of this condition, and improve the outcomes and lives of our patients worldwide. 

Patient-centric approach 

The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease can be overwhelming, especially if your child develops coronary artery aneurysms. Our team provides a compassionate and individualized approach to care that is based on years of evidence and experience. 

Our goal is to provide the care that is most appropriate for your child.

Multidisciplinary care through state-of-the-art technology

Our Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program works closely with teams across CHOP’s Cardiac Center, including inpatient and outpatient, exercise physiology and, when necessary, our incredible interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. 

Kawasaki disease often also requires consultations from other specialties, such as rheumatology and infectious disease, and we work closely with our colleagues to make sure your child is receiving the most appropriate care in a timely manner.

The program also makes use of the latest medical technology to provide necessary care, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography and more.

Long-term monitoring with transition to adult care

Our Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program partners with you to make sure patients and their families receive the necessary long-term cardiology care after Kawasaki disease.

For those patients who require ongoing cardiology follow-ups into adulthood, we collaborate with the cardiology team at the University of Pennsylvania to put a plan in place to transition to adult care.

CHOP: a trusted name in Kawasaki disease

At CHOP, we pride ourselves on providing excellent care for you and your child. 

The Cardiology Kawasaki Disease Program is ready to help.