BACKSTREET BOYS - LITTRELL'S SON DIAGNOSED WITH KAWASAKI DISEASE

LITTRELL'S SON DIAGNOSED WITH KAWASAKI DISEASE

BACKSTREET BOYS star BRIAN LITTRELL's young son has been diagnosed with a rare form of heart disease.
The singer and his wife, Leighanne, rushed six-year-old Baylee to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday (15Dec08) after he showed symptoms common to strep throat and hand, foot and mouth disease.
Doctors proceeded to conduct various biopsies and blood tests on the youngster before diagnosing him with A-Typical Kawasaki Disease.
Baylee was released from medical care on Saturday (20Dec08) but he will continue to be monitored by specialists.
In a post on his website, Littrell writes: "Kawasaki Disease causes inflammation in the coronary arteries as well as the walls of the small and medium sized arteries throughout the body.
"Unfortunately, Baylee's coronary arteries were affected. He received an IVIG, which is a treatment to bring down the inflammation in his coronary arteries. Baylee will be closely monitored for the next six to weeks by a paediatric cardiologist to see if the treatment was effective."
The star also thanked hospital staff and fans for their support, adding: "We are humbled by the love and compassion that people have for our son all over the world, thank you!"