[International comparison of the epidemiology of Kawasaki disease].

We searched all of the scientific papers concerning Kawasaki disease published in the year 2000 and after, through the Kawasaki Disease Database managed in Jichi Medical University. In searching articles, a word "epidemiology" was keyed, therefore there may be missing in identifying articles related to the occurrence of the disease. The disease has already been reported from more than 60 countries as of 2004 around the world. It is estimated that the disease occurs in more countries at this point. From reviewing articles it was found that, (1) The incidence rates are highest in Japan followed by East Asian countries and areas surrounding Japan such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, (2) In many countries, the incidence rates are increasing, (3) There are no clear differences between countries in basic epidemiological pictures such as sex ratio, age distribution.