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Kawasaki disease in Malaysia
1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Insights
Seven Malaysian children with Kawasaki disease (KD) showed varied symptoms, with a low incidence of cardiac complications. Their clinical features differ from Asian neighbors but align with Western populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a critical pediatric illness.
- Understanding KD epidemiology and clinical presentation is vital for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Kawasaki disease in Malaysian children.
- To compare Malaysian KD cases with international data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of seven Malaysian children diagnosed with KD.
- Literature review of previously reported Malaysian KD cases.
- Comparative analysis of epidemiological and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of KD reported over 8 years; average age 29.4 months; 4/7 were boys.
- Ileus, gallbladder hydrops, and pneumonia were observed; coronary artery dilatation in only one patient.
- Malaysian KD features differ from Singapore/Japan but resemble Thailand, Australia, and North America; low cardiac complication rates.
Conclusions:
- Kawasaki disease in Malaysia presents with unique epidemiological and clinical features.
- Malaysian children with KD have a lower incidence of cardiac complications compared to some Asian countries.
- Further research is needed to understand regional variations in KD presentation and outcomes.
Abstract:
We report seven cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) who were admitted to Hospital University Sains Malaysia over a period of 8 years. The average age at the time of admission was 29.4 months and four of the children were boys. Five children had all six criteria for diagnosis. Ileus was present in three, and hydrops of the gall bladder and pneumonia in two each, but coronary artery dilatation was seen in only one patient. We also review all the cases of KD reported so far from Malaysia and compare the epidemiological data, clinical course and laboratory findings of the Malaysian patients with those from other parts of the world. The epidemiological and clinical features of Malaysians with KD differ from those seen in Singapore and Japan, but are similar to those seen in Thailand, Australia and North America. The incidence of cardiac complications is low in Malaysians.