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Critical influenza virus infection
C Kappagoda1, D Isaacs, C Mellis
1Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Westmead and The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 12, 2000
Summary
Children with chronic underlying conditions face a higher risk of death from critical influenza infections. This retrospective study highlights the significant mortality associated with severe influenza in this vulnerable pediatric population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza virus infections can lead to severe illness in children.
- Chronic underlying diseases may increase the risk of critical influenza outcomes.
- Understanding mortality risks is crucial for managing pediatric influenza cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mortality risk of influenza infection in children with chronic underlying diseases.
- To identify factors associated with severe influenza outcomes in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the impact of chronic conditions on influenza-related deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 27 children with critical influenza A or B infection over 18 years.
- Inclusion criteria: intensive care unit admission or death, excluding laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB).
- Influenza diagnosis confirmed by viral culture or immunofluorescence; LTB cases analyzed separately.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality for critical influenza was 33% (9 out of 27 children).
- Children with chronic underlying disease had a higher mortality rate (46%) compared to those without (21%).
- Nosocomial influenza infection accounted for 26% of critical cases, indicating hospital-acquired infections are a concern.
Conclusions:
- Critical, life-threatening influenza is uncommon but carries a high mortality rate, especially in children with chronic conditions.
- Chronic underlying diseases significantly increase the risk of death from severe influenza.
- Nosocomial influenza infections are a notable cause of critical illness and intensive care admissions in children.