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Clinical features, risk factors, and complications among pediatric patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1)

Eleni Plessa1, Panagiotis Diakakis, John Gardelis

  • 1Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and General Hospital of Zakynthos, Zakynthos, Greece.

Clinical Pediatrics
|June 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Most children with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) have mild illness. However, asthma and obesity increase the risk of severe H1N1 complications in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) emerged globally in 2009.
  • Understanding H1N1's impact on children is crucial for public health.
  • Limited data exists on severe H1N1 disease characteristics in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the epidemiology of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in children.
  • To identify clinical features and risk factors for severe H1N1 disease.
  • To document complications associated with H1N1 infection in pediatric cases.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory confirmation of H1N1 using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • Retrospective and prospective review of medical charts for pediatric patients.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical presentations, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Fifty-one children with confirmed H1N1 infection were identified.
  • Fever (92%) was the most common symptom; most patients were over 5 years old.
  • Among 15 hospitalized children, 9 with asthma or obesity experienced complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • Most pediatric H1N1 cases result in uncomplicated viral illness.
  • Underlying asthma and obesity are significant risk factors for severe H1N1 disease and complications.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring high-risk children during influenza pandemics.
Abstract

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