Unit:
ΠΜΣ Κλινική Παιδιατρική και Νοσηλευτική - ΈρευναLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Supervisors info:
Μίχος Αθανάσιος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Χαρμανδάρη Ευαγγελία, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Συριοπούλου Βασιλική, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Τα χαρακτηριστικά των νοσηλευόμενων παιδιών με γρίπη κατά την περίοδο 2015-2016 και 2016-2017
Translated title:
Epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized children diagnosed with influenza during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 in a tertiary pediatric department
Summary:
Background
Influenza is associated with severe morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Signs and symptoms of upper and/or lower respiratory tract involvement are common, but the presentation varies. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for influenza during two consecutive seasons in a tertiary pediatric department.
Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from medical records of children who were hospitalized at the Second Department of Pediatrics, “P.&A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, Athens during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 flu seasons. Only children with laboratory confirmed influenza were included. Data regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics, immunization coverage, treatment and complications were analyzed and compared between the two flu seasons.
Results
100 children (62 male) were included. Virus type A prevailed during 2015-2016 (70,5%), while type B during 2016-2017 (58,9%). Type B was associated with older children (P-value: 0,013). Children were presented with fever (88%), gastrointestinal complaints (12%), respiratory distress (41%), neurological symptoms (23%) and muscular weakness (34%). Muscular weakness was associated with type B influenza (P-value: <0.001). 83 children received antiviral treatment. 43,21% of them within the first 48h of symptoms onset. Complications were observed in 55 children (58% musculoskeletal, 20% neurological). Only 1 child was immunized for influenza.
Conclusions
Influenza epidemiology varies every year because of viral antigenic shifts and drifts. Older children seem to be at higher risk of type B influenza and musculoskeletal complications. More data are needed regarding the need for universal influenza vaccination in childhood as well as for antiviral treatment and whether antiviral treatment is associated with a shorter length of hospitalization or a lower risk of complications.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Hospitalized children, Influenza, Epidemiology, 2015-2016, 2016-2017
