Kawasaki disease in Western Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience on Kawasaki disease in the Madinah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

METHODS: This is a retrospective hospital based study. The study was conducted in Maternity and Children Hospital, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during January 2007 to January 2010. The study included 51 patients' records as suspected cases of Kawasaki disease. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee.

RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were proven to have Kawasaki disease in this study. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 3.1±2.4 years. Most patients were younger than 5 years (83.3%). The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Diagnosis was made 8.1±3.3 days after start of fever with a range from 4-15 days. All patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with 2 requiring another dose of IVIG. Echocardiography was performed 10.1±3.9 days from onset of fever with a range of 4-20 days. The duration of hospital stay was 7.9±5.8 days with a range from 3-25 days. Three patients had coronary artery abnormalities and still have coronary artery dilatation at last follow-up appointment.

CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is mandatory for early diagnosis of Kawasaki disease as delayed diagnosis may lead to coronary lesions. A national awareness program on Kawasaki disease is recommended.