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[Enteroviral infections in children: clinical and epidemiological findings in 530 patients (1984-1991)]
L Moral Gil1, E M Rubio Calduch, P Broto Escapa
1Servicio de Bacteriología, Ciudad Sanitaria y Universitaria Valle de Hebrón, Barcelona.
Insights
Enteroviral infections were common in young males, peaking in late spring. Most cases presented with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, but severe complications like intussusception and meningitis also occurred.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Enteroviral infections represent a significant public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of enterovirus is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose:
- To analyze the incidence, clinical features, and associated complications of enteroviral infections in a cohort of 530 patients.
- To identify demographic and seasonal patterns of enteroviral infections.
- To investigate the link between enterovirus and specific conditions such as intussusception, heart disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and meningitis.
Summary:
- A 1984-1991 study identified 530 enteroviral infections, predominantly in young males during late spring.
- Common symptoms included gastrointestinal and respiratory issues, and febrile illness. Enterovirus was linked to intussusception (25 cases), acute heart disease (6 cases), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (4 cases).
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed enterovirus in 79 patients, particularly infants and young children, with 16 cases of aseptic meningitis, including an epidemic outbreak in 1987.
Impact:
- This research highlights the diverse clinical spectrum of enteroviral infections and their potential for serious neurological and systemic complications.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering enterovirus in the differential diagnosis of various pediatric illnesses, especially during outbreaks.
- The study provides valuable epidemiological data that can inform public health surveillance and intervention strategies for enteroviral diseases.
Abstract:
Between 1984 and 1991 enteroviral infections have been detected in a total of 530 patients. This type of infection was more frequent during the first years of life, among males and at the end of spring. The most common complaints (70% of the cases) included gastrointestinal manifestation, respiratory symptoms or febrile illness (viremia caused by enterovirus in two patients). Enterovirus was isolated in 25 patients with intussusception. Concurrent acute heart disease was diagnosed in six patients and Guillain-Barré syndrome in four. Enterovirus was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid in 79 patients (15%), the majority of whom were infants under 2 months of age or children from 3 to 7 years old. Differences between these two age groups are discussed. Moreover, there were 16 patients with aseptic meningitis probably caused by enterovirus. In the spring of 1987, an epidemic outbreak of enteroviral meningitis was detected, particularly among infants. This outbreak coincided with others reported in different geographic areas of our country.