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Incidence and outcome of Kawasaki disease in Malta

V Grech1

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

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Kawasaki disease (KD) incidence in Malta is low compared to Asian populations, with no reported coronary arteritis complications. Increased medical awareness has reduced diagnosis delays for this childhood illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is a critical pediatric illness causing arteritis, potentially leading to severe cardiovascular complications.
  • The unknown etiology of KD necessitates understanding its geographic and demographic variations.
  • Coronary artery involvement in KD poses significant risks, including aneurysm formation and myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of Kawasaki disease in Malta.
  • To compare KD incidence and morbidity in Malta with international data.
  • To assess trends in diagnostic delay for KD in Malta.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of KD cases in Malta over a defined period.
  • Comparison of Maltese KD incidence rates with published data from various global populations.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic timelines and clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular complications.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of KD in Malta was found to be 3.2 per 100,000 population under 5 years of age.
  • Maltese incidence rates are comparable to non-Asiatic communities and significantly lower than Asiatic populations.
  • No cases of coronary arteritis or other severe complications were observed in the Maltese cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Kawasaki disease incidence in Malta is relatively low, particularly concerning cardiovascular complications.
  • Increased awareness within the medical community has led to a significant reduction in diagnostic delays.
  • Further research into KD's etiology and prevention remains crucial for global public health.

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