Experience of influenza A H1N1 in a paediatric emergency unit

This study was carried out to evaluate symptoms, clinical findings, treatment options and complications of H1N1 influenza infection in patients who applied to our emergency unit during the influenza season in 2009. The clinical and laboratory findings of children with influenza A (H1N1) during the influenza season in 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Influenza A was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction and/or rapid antigen test. Clinical and laboratory findings of the patients with H1N1 (group I) and without H1N1 (group II) were compared. Fever and myalgia were noted to be higher in group I (p <0.05). The mean body temperature in group I was 39.0?, which was statistically different from group II (p <0.001). Myalgia was observed only in group I (15.4%), but not in group II (p <0.05). There were three patients with diarrhoea, two of whom were in group I, and they had no significant respiratory symptoms. Lymphopenia was seen in 18 patients (81.8%) in group I and in four patients (23.5%) in group II (p <0.05). Oseltamivir treatment was applied to 28 patients, where 24 had severe symptoms, nine had comorbid factors and two did not have any of these. The fever was higher in group I and myalgia was present only in group I. In group I, the lymphocyte count was significantly lower than in group II. The fever was higher in patients of H1N1 (average of 39°C) and myalgia was present only in patients with H1N1. The lymphocyte count was significantly lower in patients with H1N1 than those without H1N1. While none of the patients required intensive care, three patients requiring hospitalization were discharged after referral and completion of their treatment.