Estimation of the incidence of Kawasaki disease in Taiwan. A comparison of two data sources: Nationwide hospital survey and national health insurance claims
Journal
Pediatrics and Neonatology
Journal Volume
55
Journal Issue
2
Pages
97-100
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Abstract
Background Kawasaki disease (KD), first described by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967, was found for the first time in Taiwan in 1976. It continued to occur in increased numbers. For the study of incidence rates and epidemiological features of KD, we conducted five nationwide hospital surveys (NHS) in 1987, 1992, 1994, 2001 and 2008, respectively. We estimated also the annual incidence rates of KD during 1996-2007, based on the National Health Insurance (NHI) database, which had been implemented since 1995, covering 98% of the population in Taiwan. Methods The annual incidence rates of KD during the twelve years, from1996 to 2007, estimated by the NHS and the NHI claims were compared, analyzed and discussed. Results During 1996-2007, a total of 9,938 cases of KD were reported by the Departments of Pediatrics of all hospitals surveyed, and a total of 11,849 cases of KD were claimed in the NHI database. The annual number of cases and incidence rates of KD based on NHI claims constantly surpassed those by the NHS. The ratio of the two incidence rates varied from 1.10 to 1.33. They were well correlated (r = 0.902, p < 0.001) with a linear equation, NHI = 16.07 + 0.93*NHS. The changes in annual incidence rate by the NHI were mean 1.149, p = 0.07, 95% CI -0.082 - 2.382, and those by the NHS were mean 1.562, p <0.001, CI 0.656 - 2.468. Conclusion The annual incidence rates of KD can be estimated by the NHI claims and by the classic NHS. The values estimated by the NHI claims constantly outnumbered those by the NHS. Some pitfalls involved in the NHI claims are discussed. ? 2013, Taiwan Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rightsreserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; child; coronary artery aneurysm; health survey; hospitalization; human; incidence; major clinical study; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; national health insurance; questionnaire; reimbursement; Taiwan; comparative study; incidence; infant; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; preschool child; public health; Child, Preschool; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; National Health Programs; Questionnaires; Taiwan
Publisher
Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Type
journal article