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Influenza A (H1N1) in Hospitalized Children
Insights
Influenza A (H1N1) poses risks to hospitalized infants and children, particularly those with chronic conditions. Vaccination and preventive measures are crucial for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Influenza A (H1N1) is a contagious respiratory infection.
- While often benign, H1N1 influenza can be severe in infants and children with chronic diseases.
- Severity depends on virus strain, immunity, and individual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical profile of hospitalized infants and children with H1N1 influenza.
- To identify common symptoms and comorbidities in pediatric H1N1 cases.
- To understand the outcomes of H1N1 influenza in a pediatric hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and descriptive study from November 2018 to January 2024.
- Included children under 14 hospitalized for severe lower respiratory infection with virological testing.
- Utilized multiplex PCR and rapid influenza diagnostic tests.
Main Results:
- 45 confirmed H1N1 influenza cases in children aged average 2 years 4 months.
- Respiratory distress was the primary admission reason; 53% had comorbidities like asthma.
- Common presentations included viral bronchiolitis, asthma exacerbations, and pneumonia; 3 patients required intensive care.
Conclusions:
- Preventive measures are vital for managing H1N1 influenza in children.
- Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for children with underlying health conditions.
- Prompt diagnosis and management lead to favorable outcomes.
Background:
Influenza A (H1N1) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza A virus. In the majority of cases, H1N1 influenza is benign. However, it can be dangerous for infants and children with underlying chronic diseases. The severity of influenza depends on various factors, including the virulence of the virus strain, preexisting immunity level, and individual health conditions. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical profile of H1N1 influenza in hospitalized infants and children.
Methods:
This is a prospective and descriptive study conducted from November 1, 2018, to January 31, 2024. In this study, we included all children under 14 years old hospitalized for suspected severe lower respiratory infection who had gone through virological testing. We used a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit: the Film Array-Respiratory Panel. Due to the depletion of multiplex PCR kits, this study continued using rapid influenza diagnostic tests based on immunochromatographic technique.
Results:
We report 45 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, collected during the period from November 1, 2018, to January 31, 2024. The average age was 2 years and 4 months. The main reason for admission was respiratory distress found in all patients. In 53% of the cases, there was an associated comorbidity, including asthma (17 cases), prematurity (2 cases), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (2 cases), cystic fibrosis (1 case), undetermined etiology bronchial dilation (1 case), and Basedow's disease (1 case). The clinical presentation included viral bronchiolitis (17 cases), moderate asthma exacerbation (10 cases), severe asthma exacerbation (7 cases), pneumonia (9 cases), bronchial dilation exacerbation (1 case), and flu-like syndrome with adrenal insufficiency (1 case). Fever was present in 31 patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting were present in 20 cases. Three patients required intensive care, with 2 children being intubated and ventilated (one severe acute asthma and one severe viral bronchiolitis). Two cases were treated with oseltamivir. The average length of hospital stay was 7.5 days, ranging from 3 to 20 days. All cases showed favorable evolution.
Conclusions:
We conclude that preventive measures remain crucial, and influenza vaccination is highly recommended in cases of underlying morbidity.
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