[Hospitalization due to influenza in children in Santiago, Chile, 2001-2005].
BACKGROUND
Influenza cause high hospitalization rates and complications in children.


OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza infection in hospitalized children.


METHODS
In Universidad Católica Hospital, all hospitalizations due to influenza in children aged 15 days to 14 years, occurring between January 2001 and December 2005 were reviewed.


RESULTS
Of a total of 3570 admissions associated with a respiratory illness, 124 (3.5%) were due to influenza, of which 75% presented between the months of April and June. Median age was 20.5 months (60% younger than 2 years) and 24% had an underlying risk factor. Most common symptoms were fever (94%) and dry cough (61%) and 75% of the children required oxygen. The most frequent complication was pneumonia (53%). The mean duration of hospitalization and oxygen use were 4.4 and 2.5 days respectively. Fifty two children (49.1%) received an antibiotic and nine children were admitted to intensive care unit. No deaths were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Influenza virus cause serious complications and affects mostly healthy children younger than 2 years.
Vega-Briceño
Luis E
LE
Departamento de Pediatría, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. levega@puc.cl
Platzer M
Lisbeth
L
Oyarzún A
M Angeliza
MA
Abarca V
Katia
K
Pulgar B
Dahiana
D
Sánchez D
Ignacio
I