The number of children treated for Kawasaki disease has doubled compared to the average of the previous five years, according to the latest figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children under five in the UK and can be fatal if not treated in time.
In 2020/21, 706 children received treatment for Kawasaki disease – double the average of 336 children per year for the previous five years. In 2020, reports of a Kawasaki-like disease following exposure to COVID-19, emerged in the US and Europe. The World Health Organization is examining possible links with COVID-19.
Due to the increase, NHSBT is calling on more people to donate plasma. Plasma is used to make immunoglobulin, a medicine used to treat the disease.
In order to meet demand, NHSBT is looking to increase the number of plasma donors from 5,850 to 10,200. Health Minister Neil O’Brien said donors could save someone’s life.
“More plasma donors are needed to treat Kawasaki’s disease and we are working closely with NHS Blood and Transplant to boost supplies so we can provide the best possible care to patients,” he said. “Thank you to existing donors who have generously come forward. If you can, please consider donating blood or plasma – it could save someone’s life.”
Gerry Gogarty, director of plasma for medicines at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “There is a rising need for plasma donors to help treat life-threatening immune disorders such as Kawasaki disease. You can help by donating plasma or blood – you have a medicine in you.”
In 2021 the Government lifted a two-decade ban on donations of blood plasma in England for use in the manufacture of medicines after accepting updated advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Members of the public can donate plasma in Birmingham, Reading, or Twickenham. Plasma is also recovered from normal blood donations.
Find out more about plasma donation here: https://www.blood.co.uk/plasma/
