Increased detection rate of Kawasaki disease using new diagnostic algorithm, including early use of echocardiography.

Objective To determine the incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Northern France by using new American Heart Association (AHA) criteria. Study design A 1-year prospective multicenter cohort study was performed in all pediatric departments. Patients Results Seventy-seven children were included (39 in whom KD was diagnosed). Of the patients with KD, 26 (67%) met the classic AHA case definition, and 7 (18%) had incomplete KD. Cardiac ultrasound scanning was helpful in the diagnosis of 6 of 7 patients with incomplete KD (86%). The final incidence of confirmed KD was 9 of 100 000 children Conclusion The incidence of KD is higher than previously reported, in part because earlier reports did not include incomplete forms. New AHA criteria (laboratory tests and early echocardiography) were helpful for the diagnosis of incomplete forms of KD.