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Kawasaki disease in Malta

V Grech1

  • 1Paediatric Department, St. Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia, Malta. vgrech@mail.link.net.mt

European Journal of Epidemiology
|August 12, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Kawasaki disease, a childhood illness, shows a similar incidence in Malta compared to other non-Asiatic regions. Increased awareness has significantly reduced diagnostic delays, preventing severe complications like coronary arteritis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness in children with unknown etiology.
  • Potential complications include coronary arteritis and death.
  • Previous data suggested lower incidence in non-Asiatic populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of Kawasaki disease in children under 5 years of age in Malta.
  • To assess the occurrence of coronary arteritis and other complications.
  • To evaluate trends in diagnostic delay.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric cases in Malta.
  • Calculation of incidence rates per 100,000 population <5 years.
  • Review of patient records for complications and time to diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Maltese incidence of 3.2/100,000 population <5 years, comparable to non-Asiatic communities.
  • No cases of coronary arteritis or other significant complications were observed.
  • A notable decrease in the delay to diagnosis was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Kawasaki disease incidence in Malta aligns with non-Asiatic populations.
  • Improved diagnostic awareness has led to earlier detection and prevention of complications.
  • Continued surveillance is important for understanding pediatric febrile illnesses.

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