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Abstract:
Examination of a large autopsy material from children's hospitals in Leningrad for 1978-1979 established a very high relative frequency of infectious diseases in fatal cases. Compared with previous years, there is a change in the ratio of different diseases: a decrease in the rate of well known and relatively readily diagnosed bacterial diseases and an increase in viral infections and mycoplasmosis with less marked macroscopic features. Various acute respiratory infections occurred more frequently (in 68.2% of deaths), viral infections and mycoplasmosis being prevalent among them. Bacterial pneumonias occurred less frequently. There was a significant proportion of intrauterine infections diagnosed in 26.6% of children, with mycoplasmosis and viral infections (respiratory, herpes, cytomegalovirus, etc.) being predominant. Mycoplasmosis may be important in the development of congenital malformations. Other infectious diseases are analysed, including those with the predominant involvement of the alimentary tract, central nervous system, etc. Combined infections are noted to be very important. The author's own data are compared with those from other reports presented at the 2nd All-Union Conference of Childhood Pathologists.
Insights
Infectious diseases, particularly viral infections and mycoplasmosis, are increasingly common in fatal pediatric cases. These infections, often with subtle signs, are replacing bacterial diseases in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Autopsy data from Leningrad children's hospitals (1978-1979) revealed trends in fatal pediatric diseases.
- A shift in disease patterns was observed compared to previous years.
Purpose:
- To analyze the relative frequency and changing patterns of infectious diseases in fatal pediatric cases.
- To investigate the role of viral infections and mycoplasmosis in pediatric mortality.
Summary:
- Infectious diseases were highly prevalent in fatal pediatric cases.
- Viral infections and mycoplasmosis showed an increasing trend, often presenting with less distinct macroscopic features.
- Acute respiratory infections were common (68.2% of deaths), with viral and mycoplasmal agents predominant.
- Intrauterine infections (26.6% of cases) were significant, with mycoplasmosis and viruses (herpes, cytomegalovirus) being key pathogens.
- Mycoplasmosis may contribute to congenital malformations.
Impact:
- Highlights the rising importance of viral infections and mycoplasmosis in pediatric mortality.
- Suggests potential links between mycoplasmosis and congenital anomalies.
- Provides epidemiological insights into childhood infectious disease trends.