Kawasaki Disease in Taiwan: A 4th Nationwide Survey, 1994-2000

Abstract

A Kawasaki disease (KD) survey, 4th nationwide survey was performed retrospectively to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of KD during 1994-2000 in Taiwan. This study was the continuation of past three surveillances since 1976, when the first case appeared. A specially designed questionnaire was sent to all the major hospitals, with 100 or more beds, to collect the number of patients encountered in each hospital, data with identification numbers (ID), sex, age, coronary lesions. The total number of KD cases (1994-2000; n=4892) and incidents were also increased in this survey (year 2000 = 53.33) with two out breaks in 1996 and 1998. Annual incidence were calculated on mid year population of less than 5 years of age. Male to female ratio was 1.7:1 and still showed constant male (n = 3079) dominant ratio. The patients below 2, 2 to 4 and above 4 years were 57%, 27% and 16% respectively. 84% cases (n = 4118) were below 4 years of age. Highest number of cases were reported by northern provinces (n=2142) then followed by south (n=1401) which was same as the previous survey. Early coronary artery dilatation was noted in 1329 cases (27.18%). Fatality rate has come down to 0.06% (n=3) when compared to 0.4 and 0.2% in the previous surveillance. Increasing numbers of patients with peaks, every 2-3 years suggested the possibility of unknown infectious agents playing the role in etiology. The present day advances could not decrease the prevalence rate but improved long-term outcomes significantly.

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