Objective. Kawasaki disease (KD) is supposed to be more susceptible in Asian race. This study sought to evaluate the epidemiologic pictures of KD in Beijing and suburb area. Method. A questionnaire form and diagnostic guidelines for KD were sent to all hospitals with pediatric in-patient beds in Beijing and suburb areas. Pediatricians were asked to review medical records and report all patients with KD diagnosed during the 5-year period from January 1995 to December 1999.Results. A total of 710 patients with KD were reported from 37 (95%) of 39 hospitals with pediatric in-patient beds, with a mean annual incidence of 24.4 per 100000 children under 5 years of age. The incidence was 18.2, 21.1, 21.2, 30.6 and 35.5 per 100000 children under 5 years old in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. The age at onset ranged from 1 month to 13.4 years, with 85.2% under 5 years and peak age at 1 year old. The disease occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Lymph node enlargement was the least common sign, and its incidence decreased from 1995 to 1999. Cardiac sequelae was found in 21.5% patients, and was more prevalent in patients diagnosed 10 days after onset. No patients died in the acute stage. Conclusion. The incidence of KD in Beijing is lower than Japan, but higher than other western countries. The age and gender distribution, and increasing trend in incidence are similar to previous reports, but seasonal distribution is unique.
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