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Global incidence of Kawasaki disease: a systematic review
Cho Ryok Kang1,2, Jue Seong Lee1,3, Young June Choe1,3
1Allergy and Immunology Center and Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Kawasaki disease incidence varies significantly worldwide, particularly in children under five. This systematic review highlights major geographic disparities, emphasizing the need for further research into contributing factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.
- It is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting the pediatric population.
- Global incidence shows significant variation, impacting understanding of its worldwide burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the global incidence of Kawasaki disease in children under 5 years of age.
- To identify geographic variations and trends in Kawasaki disease incidence.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the current global epidemiological landscape of Kawasaki disease.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, Embase, and KoreaMed databases.
- Inclusion criteria focused on population-level Kawasaki disease incidence studies in children under 5.
- Data extraction and quality assessment performed by two independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- 105 studies from 34 countries met inclusion criteria, predominantly from the Western Pacific and Americas.
- Significant global geographic variations in Kawasaki disease incidence were observed.
- Highest incidence rates were reported in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, with a temporal increase noted.
Conclusions:
- This review offers the most extensive analysis of global Kawasaki disease incidence to date.
- Substantial regional differences in incidence necessitate further investigation into influencing factors.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for public health strategies and disease management.
Background:
Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that primarily affects young children and represents a major cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. The incidence of Kawasaki disease exhibits significant global variation, and the worldwide burden remains limited.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted to investigate the global incidence of Kawasaki disease in children under 5 years of age. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and KoreaMed up to July 15, 2024. Studies reporting population-level Kawasaki disease incidence were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.
Results:
The search yielded 3,197 articles, of which 105 met the inclusion criteria. These studies examined Kawasaki disease incidence in children under 5 years of age across 34 countries, with the majority focusing on the Western Pacific Region and the Region of the Americas. The results demonstrated a wide range of Kawasaki disease incidence globally, with significant geographic variations. The highest incidence rates were observed in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, with a trend of gradual increase over time.
Conclusions:
This study represents the most comprehensive review of global Kawasaki disease incidence to date. The substantial variation in incidence underscores the need to understand the factors influencing regional differences.
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