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Abdominal distension: an important feature in human parechovirus infection

Harish Bangalore1, Javeed Ahmed, John Bible

  • 1Department of Infection, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK. harish.bangalore@nhs.net

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in infants can mimic surgical emergencies. Key indicators include abdominal distension, rash, low C-reactive protein, and lymphocyte count.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Sepsis-like illness in infants presents diagnostic challenges.
  • Human parechovirus (HPeV) is an emerging pathogen causing severe illness in neonates and infants.
  • Distinguishing HPeV from surgical emergencies is critical for timely management.

Observation:

  • Eight infants with sepsis-like illness were diagnosed with HPeV.
  • Abdominal distension occurred in 5 infants; erythematous rash in 6.
  • Four infants presented with both abdominal distension and rash.

Findings:

  • Prominent abdominal symptoms can mimic acute surgical conditions.
  • Fever and central nervous system symptoms are common.
  • A combination of rash, abdominal distension, low C-reactive protein, and lymphocyte count aids HPeV recognition.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of HPeV is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis.
  • Understanding HPeV clinical presentations can guide diagnostic strategies.
  • This aids in appropriate patient management and resource allocation.

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