Overview of Kawasaki Disease in Albaha Area, Saudi Arabia

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute, febrile, self-limiting vasculitis of unknown etiology, is a disease that predominantly affects medium- and small-sized arteries of infants and preschool children. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the presentation and clinical course, diagnosis, management, outcomes, and complications of KD, as well as the presence of abnormal laboratory values therein, among children admitted to King Fahad Hospital, Albaha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This observational, hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, King Fahad Hospital Albaha, from 2008 to 2018. Those with both complete and incomplete KD were considered. The diagnostic criteria for KD were based on the European and American Heart Association recommendations. Results: The prevalence of KD in Albaha area was 0.6%. It was more common among in male patients (60%) than in female patients (40%). 85% of patients satisfied the diagnostic criteria for complete KD. Among the cases included, 60% were diagnosed during winter and spring. Cardiac abnormalities confirmed through echocardiography were documented in 22.5% of the patients. Abnormal laboratory results were significantly common among those with incomplete KD. Conclusion: Majority of patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria of complete KD, and the presence of coronary artery abnormalities consisted with other international published studies. All patients successfully completely recovered during follow-up, and no mortality was documented.