"It is well known that convulsions/seizures may occur in clinical course of Kawasaki disease." ~

[mzmolly]

Posting this in relation to the Travolta family tragedy.

Shimakawa S, Yamada K, Hara K, Tanabe T, Tamai H.

Department of Pediatrics, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Suita, Osaka.

"It is well known that convulsions may occur in clinical course of Kawasaki disease. However, the features of such seizures remain unclear. Recent reports have hypothesized that pro-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the genesis of febrile convulsions (FC). In the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in serum and CSF. If cytokines play a role in seizure phenomena in patients with Kawasaki disease, FC and seizures in Kawasaki disease might share some clinical features. To clarify the clinical features of convulsion in Kawasaki disease, we investigated 7 patients with Kawasaki disease with convulsions who were diagnosed and treated from November 2003 to November 2005. We found several features of the seizures, as well as the onset age, were different among these clinical entities. The onset of Kawasaki disease was characteristically before six months of age in all patients. Seizure clustering was seen in 5 patients and partial seizures in 4. Prolonged unconsciousness after seizures was seen in one patient, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH) in one other. One patient had markedly elevated IL-6 in CSF. These observations led us to speculate that the convulsion of Kawasaki disease may be attributable to an encephalitis. The results of this study suggest that seizure pathophysiology differs between FC and Kawasaki disease."

Experts in Japan are aware of the fact that seizures can occur in a course of Kawasaki Disease. Why is it that physicians in the US who are being consulted by major media (referred to as "experts") are unaware?

I found this info on PUBMED easily by searching for http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18634413?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum">"Kawaski and Seizure" why can't CNN do the same?

It's frustrating to watch the media feign concern for the Travolta family while they promote misinformation about what ailed Jett Travolta. The first place I learned that K.D. could cause seizures was here on DU. Thanks to all who continue to seek accurate info and share it with others.

[mzmolly]

1. .

:kick:

Don't care if people comment, but I'd like people to see who are interested.

[Duppers]

2. thanks, MzMolly

interested here.

:hi:

[mzmolly]

5. Thanks backatcha Duppers.

:hi:

[hlthe2b]

3. MzMolly, this article is discussing frequency of seizures in acute

disease.... Seizures years after (and Tripp reportedly suffered his acute onset of Kawasaki at age 2) are quite rare....
Without their releasing his full medical history, it is really hard to know what to attribute his seizures to. Did he suffer brain damage as a result of cardiac arrest when he was a child, perhaps when he developed KS (or at birth)? Did something else happen? It is certainly a complicated case that short of actually seeing his complete medical history will probably remain confusing.

[mzmolly]

4. True, but apparently this child's seizures continued. Rare or not.

So, why isn't this clarified by experts who speak about this condition in relation to the Travolta case, is my question. I've not seen any balance in reporting when it comes to this in the media.

Here is other item of potential interest: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1852903

:shrug:

I want to see some deference paid to the family until we have more information, personally.

[hlthe2b]

6. I totally agree ... the family is being drug through the mud...

at the worst possible time in their lives-- based on nothing more than speculation, lack of understanding of complex medical issues, and desire to expose Scientology in some manner as being responsible. It is very disheartening.

[mzmolly]

7. Indeed it is hlthe2B. Scoop on MSNBC had a statement by the C.O.S

today in which they attempt to clarify their beliefs on the use of medication: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28511424/

Thought you might be interested.

Courtney Hazlett ~ The Scoop
Bahamian officials determined it was a seizure that caused Jett Travolta’s sudden death, but there have been a number of outspoken critics of Scientology claiming that the church’s practices might have played a part in how the Travolta family cared for their son.

In response to the claim that the family might not have sought appropriate, conventional medical treatment for Jett’s seizures, Tommy Davis from Scientology International says that simply isn’t allowed under Scientology practices.

“Scientologists seek conventional medical treatment for medical conditions. Scientologists use prescription drugs when physically ill and also rely on the advice and treatment of medical doctors. The church does not involve itself in the diagnosis or classification of any medical condition,” says Davis.

Have a nice week. :hi:

[hlthe2b]

9. thanks for sharing....

I doubt many will be convinced. As much as I have little deference for Scientology, I do believe in setting the record straight as to what they do and do not advocate--though I'm guessing few will listen.

More importantly, though is to stop the unfounded pubic antagonism towards a grieving and very pubic family.

Back at ya, msmolly! ;)

[mzmolly]

10. Very well

stated my friend.

Just found this as well (a statement from Lisa Marie Presley) -

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/lisa-marie-presley-don-t-blame-scientology-for-jett-travoltas-death/17239

She continues, "It is not true that Scientologists 'don't believe in' medical care, medicine or medical doctors and that may have something to do with this terrible tragedy.

"Just like anyone else, if one is sick, they go to the doctor. If a medication will make it better, then they take it. If they dont, then they are an idiot, and you can't blame their religion.

[awoke_in_2003]

8. Seizures can be mysterious things...

my maternal grandfather suffered with them from the age of 16 to about 25. My mother suffered with them her whole life. I had them from 17 to about 26 (which invalidated me from the Corp). In all cases, they were unable to diagnose what was causing them. In mine and my grandfather's case they went away on their own. My mom died at 36, so no idea if they would have stopped.

[mzmolly]

11. I'm so sorry

about your Mom.

I can't imagine living with seizures. Worse yet being a parent who has to witness a child in such a state. It must have been a very painful experience for Jett and his family. I had a family member with epilepsy. He's long gone, but there was not an effective medication for him.

So glad you're out of the proverbial woods, awoke...

[awoke_in_2003]

12. It was tough for a while...

but one thing is I always felt them coming on, and could get myself someplace safe (read soft). Very hard feeling to describe. For instance, I was reading the back cover of a Ritchie Blackmore CD, and it said "Mr. Ritchie uses Marshall amplifiers and Fender guitars exclusively". Imagine reading that and having absolutely no comprehension as to what it means. Might as well have been in Russian, but what is a bit scary is there is still some part of your brain saying "You should be able to understand that". You feel like you have lost total control of your brain, and it does induce a bit of panic. Meds kept them mostly under control, and 14 years ago I took myself off the meds and have had none since. They never could pin down what caused mine- there was some speculation (after the fact) that my brain just hadn't figured out how to handle stress yet.