Epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease in Taiwan, 1996-2002
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Kawasaki disease (KD) is common in children globally. This study found Taiwan
Area Of Science
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Cardiology
Background
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children worldwide.
- Incidence rates of KD vary geographically, with higher rates reported in Asian countries.
- The epidemiology of KD in Taiwan has not been extensively studied.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Taiwan.
- To determine the rate of coronary artery aneurysm formation in KD patients.
- To analyze changes in KD incidence over a 7-year period and compare it internationally.
Main Methods
- Utilized the National Health Insurance (NHI) database from 1996 to 2002.
- Analyzed cases of KD (ICD-9 code 446.1) and coronary artery aneurysm (ICD-9 code 414.11).
- Compared annual KD incidence in Taiwan with global data.
Main Results
- KD occurred most frequently in summer, particularly in 1998 coinciding with an enterovirus 71 epidemic.
- 91% of cases were in children under 5 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.70:1.
- The incidence of KD decreased with age, with an overall rate of 66 per 100,000 children under 5.
Conclusions
- Kawasaki disease in Taiwan affects boys more than girls and occurs more often in summer.
- The annual incidence of KD in Taiwan (66/100,000) was the second highest globally among children under 5.
- Coronary artery aneurysm was observed in 7.3% of KD cases.