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Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
10:47

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Published on: April 14, 2011

Influenza and parainfluenza associated pediatric ICU morbidity

Kam Lun Hon1, Ting Fan Leung, Kam Lau Cheung

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China. ehon@hotmail.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Influenza and parainfluenza infections in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are associated with significant morbidity. These viral infections did not show an increased incidence during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Influenza and parainfluenza viruses are common respiratory pathogens in children.
  • Assessing the impact of these viral infections on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions is crucial for public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the trend of morbidity in young children admitted to the PICU with laboratory-proven influenza and parainfluenza infections.
  • To determine if the incidence of these infections increased during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted from January 2003 to December 2009.
  • All children admitted to the PICU with laboratory-confirmed influenza or parainfluenza infection were included.
  • Data on demographics, clinical course, and outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Over 7 years, 18 influenza and 17 parainfluenza admissions were identified, accounting for 2% of annual PICU admissions.
  • Parainfluenza type 3 was the most common subtype.
  • 51% of patients required ventilatory support, 45% received corticosteroids, and 25% had bacterial co-infections.
  • The incidence of influenza admissions did not significantly increase in 2009 (H1N1 pandemic) compared to 2003.
  • The annual incidence of severe PICU cases was 0.94/100,000 for influenza and 0.88/100,000 for parainfluenza.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza and parainfluenza viruses are associated with significant childhood morbidity and PICU admissions.
  • The 2009 H1N1 pandemic did not lead to a significant increase in severe influenza cases requiring PICU admission in this cohort.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for children with severe respiratory viral infections.
Abstract

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