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01-12-2010 | Original Paper

Clinical features of hospitalised children with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection

Authors: Carmelina Calitri, Clara Gabiano, Silvia Garazzino, Michele Pinon, Marisa Zoppo, Margherita Cuozzo, Carlo Scolfaro, Pier-Angelo Tovo

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 12/2010

Abstract

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.

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Title: Clinical features of hospitalised children with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection
Authors: Carmelina Calitri
Clara Gabiano
Silvia Garazzino
Michele Pinon
Marisa Zoppo
Margherita Cuozzo
Carlo Scolfaro
Pier-Angelo Tovo
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-010-1255-y

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Clinical features of hospitalised children with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection

Abstract

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