Risk factors and outcomes of influenza infection among children presenting with influenza-like illness.
OBJECTIVE
Limited data were available to guide management, counseling, and/or diagnostic investigation among children presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI). During a recent period of high influenza activity, we wished to determine the frequency, outcomes, and factors associated with influenza infection among children presenting with ILI.


METHODS
During September and October 2010, children presenting with ILI were enrolled. Nasal swabs were sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the frequency and types of influenza. Information of demographic characteristics, potential risk factors, and short-term outcomes of study participants were collected.


RESULTS
Among 300 enrolled subjects, influenza infections were identified in 170 (56.7%) cases; 45.7% (n = 137) were influenza A and 11% (n = 33) were influenza B. Most cases recovered uneventfully with a 3.7% (n = 11) hospitalization rate. Risks for hospitalization did not differ by infection status (2.4% vs. 5.4% between those with and without influenza infection, respectively) or types of influenza infection. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age, having a household member with acute respiratory illness (ARI) during the previous 7 days, having an underlying co-morbidity, and a history of premature birth were associated with influenza, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1.19 (1.087, 1.30), 3.21 (1.096, 9.424), 2.15 (1.244, 3.728), and 0.08 (0.007, 0.876), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The outcomes of influenza-associated ILI were generally favourable, with no fatalities and 2.4% risk for hospitalization. Among children presenting with ILI, age, household contact with ARI, and co morbidities increased the likelihood of influenza, whereas history of premature birth was negatively associated with influenza.
Warunee Punpanich
WP
Vandepitte
Supichaya
S
Netsawang
Piyarat
P
Suntarattiwong
Suchada
S
Srisarang
Malinee
M
Chittaganpitch
Tawee
T
Chotpitayasunondh
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004279:DNA, Viral