Clinical features of hospitalised children with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection.
Clinical features and outcome of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in the paediatric setting is ill-defined. The epidemiologic and clinical features of children with confirmed H1N1 influenza virus infection admitted to an Italian tertiary paediatric hospital from August through December 2009 were evaluated. A total of 63 children (mean age 4.3 years) were studied; of these, 29 (46%) had chronic underlying diseases. The most frequent symptoms and signs at admission were fever (97%), cough (60%) and respiratory disturbances (24%). Forty patients (63.5%) had H1N1-related complications: 32 (51%) pulmonary diseases, three (5%) neurological disorders, such as acute encephalitis or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and two (3%) haematological alterations. Three patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Most children (81%) were treated with oseltamivir: one developed rash during treatment; no other adverse events were noticed. All children survived without sequelae. In conclusions, 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection in children is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Neurological disorders are not exceptional complications. Oseltamivir therapy seems safe also in infants.
Calitri
Carmelina
C
Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy. carmelina_calitri@libero.it
Gabiano
Clara
C
Garazzino
Silvia
S
Pinon
Michele
M
Zoppo
Marisa
M
Cuozzo
Margherita
M
Scolfaro
Carlo
C
Tovo
Pier-Angelo
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000821:virology*; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053139:Oseltamivir