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Published on: July 6, 2013

Enteroviral infections in children with malignant disease: a 5-year study in a single institution

Maria A Moschovi1, Katerina Katsibardi, Maria Theodoridou

  • 1Hematology-Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Thivon & Levadias Ave, Athens 11527, Greece. mmoschov@med.uoa.gr <mmoschov@med.uoa.gr>

The Journal of Infection
|September 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Enteroviral infections pose severe risks to children with malignancy, particularly those with lymphoid cancers. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) showed promise in reducing viral load, suggesting potential for improved outcomes with early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Enteroviral infections can present with severe clinical manifestations in immunocompromised pediatric patients.
  • Children undergoing cancer treatment are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical presentation, severity, and outcomes of enteroviral infections in pediatric cancer patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and pleconaril.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective assessment of enteroviral infections in a University Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit over 5 years.
  • Utilized RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and indirect immunofluorescence assay for viral detection and typing.

Main Results:

  • Enteroviral infection was documented in 55 of 104 evaluated children.
  • Severe manifestations (encephalitis, cardiac involvement, hemophagocytic syndrome) occurred in 20% of infected children.
  • Children with lymphoid malignancy had a higher incidence (87%) of enteroviral infections compared to those with solid tumors (13%).
  • High-dose IVIG led to early negative viral load, but the overall infection-related fatality rate was 14.5%.

Conclusions:

  • Enteroviruses cause severe and potentially lethal disease in pediatric cancer patients, especially those with lymphoid malignancies.
  • High-dose IVIG administration appears beneficial in clearing viremia.
  • Early therapeutic intervention with high-dose IVIG may improve patient outcomes.
Abstract

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