Objectives: To assess the incidence, epidemiology and clinical features of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Catalonia (northeast region of Spain).
Methods: This was an observational population-based study including all Paediatric Units in Catalonia, under both public and private management. Retrospective data retrieval was performed for 10 years (2004-2013). A 12-month (March 2013 to March 2014) prospective collection of new cases of KD was carried out to determine the incidence of KD.
Results: Data from 399 patients over the 10-year study period was analysed, revealing that 233 (58.4%) had complete KD, 159 (39.8) incomplete KD and 7 (1.7%) were considered atypical KD. Mean annual incidence was 3.5/105 children <14 years old (yo) and 8/105 children <5 yo (mean age 37±33 months, range 1.3-191.3). KD was more frequent in boys (59.6%, p<0.001) and in rural areas (p<0.001). Patients with IVIG non-responsiveness, need of a 2(nd) IVIG dose, delay of treatment >10(th) day of illness, ages <1 yo and >8 yo and the presence of sterile piuria, aseptic meningitis, abdominal pain and uveitis at diagnosis were found to have higher risk of coronary aneurisms (CAA) (p<0.05).
Conclusions: This is the first population-based study on the epidemiology of KD in the western Mediterranean area. Incidence, clinical features and treatment plans in our cohort are similar to those described in other European studies.