Kawasaki syndrome in Denmark
Thea K Fischer1, Robert C Holman, Krista L Yorita
1Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases (DVRD), National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Kawasaki disease (KD) incidence in Danish children under 5 increased until 1999, then stabilized. Boys had higher KD rates than girls, with peak incidence in infants, and winter seasonality was observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric epidemiology
- Infectious disease surveillance
Background:
- Kawasaki syndrome (KS) is a rare but serious childhood illness.
- Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiologic characteristics of Kawasaki syndrome (KS) in Danish children.
- To estimate national KS incidence rates from 1981 to 2004.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based study utilizing Danish National Hospital Register data (1981-2004).
- Inclusion criteria: children under 15 years with a KS diagnosis.
- Incidence rates calculated using patient data and census figures.
Main Results:
- 360 children under 15 diagnosed with KS; 73% were under 5 years old.
- Average annual KS incidence in children under 5 increased until 1999, then stabilized (4.5-5.0/100,000 person-years).
- Higher incidence in boys (RR=1.6), peaking in infants, with winter seasonality. Age-specific decline noted only in boys.
Conclusions:
- Danish childhood KS epidemiology aligns with global findings: higher incidence in young children and winter seasonality.
- KS incidence in Danish children under 5 rose early in the study period, stabilizing around 1998-1999.
- Danish KS incidence appears lower than in some European countries, though methodological differences limit direct comparison.
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