Complications with rotavirus: A single center experiences.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RG) is a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
• RG can lead to severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance and potentially fatal complications if untreated.
• Septicemia is a critical, though less common, complication of RG with severe consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics, incidence, and types of complications in infants with Rotavirus gastroenteritis.
• To identify the most frequent complications associated with RG.
• To assess the impact of RG on infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 276 infants diagnosed with RG between January 2006 and February 2013.
• Analysis of clinical data, including patient demographics, complications, and microbiological findings.
• Calculation of complication rates, with a focus on electrolyte imbalance and septicemia.

Main Results:

• Overall complication rate was 44.2% among the studied infants.
• Electrolyte imbalance was the most common complication (32.6%), followed by septicemia (6.5%).
• Klebsiella, E. coli, and Candida species were the most frequently isolated microorganisms in blood cultures.

Conclusions:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis remains a major cause of serious complications, including sepsis, in children.
• The absence of rotavirus vaccine in the national immunization program may contribute to these complications, increasing healthcare costs and family burden.
• Effective management of RG complications is essential to reduce infant morbidity and mortality.