Clinical polymorphism of influenza in children

摘要

Yearly influenza outbreaks still represent a major public health issue worldwide. In Romania, in the past few years, there were registered many cases of influenza within the seasonal outbreaks. Cases of influenza in children that have been observed presented particular clinical presentations accompanied by polymorphic symptoms.We have performed a retrospective study of pediatric influenza cases admitted in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Bals" between 01.01.2009 - 01.01.2013. In all cases we have monitored: age, sex, background, clinical form of the disease, treatment and complications. The diagnosis was established on clinical, epidemiological and laboratory criteria (confirmation test through PCR).In the aforementioned period, we have registered 392 cases of influenza in children, which were admitted the Pediatric ward of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Bals". Etiologically, most of the cases were determined by the AH1N1 influenza virus, in comparison with the serotype B influenza virus, which caused far less illnesses. Between 2009 and 2010, most cases of influenza have been caused by the AH1N1 virus and in the first six months of 2012 most of influenza cases were determined by the serotype B influenza virus.The majority of cases of influenza in children in aforementioned period presented mild or moderate symptoms. One death was registered. The 4-7 years age group was the most affected, as well as male patients from urban backgrounds. The classical clinical presentation was predominant among most cases of flu. Some of the children presented polymorphic symptoms, with rashes (exanthema), muscular, respiratory, cardiac, blood, digestive and neurological manifestations, and complications both reversible and severe with sequelae.Acute infections with influenza viruses present new clinical forms of disease, rarely severe, which demand a sustained and complex treatment and, despite of adequate therapy, sometimes the evolution is unfavorable with complication, sequelae or even death. Because of this, we emphasize on the importance of both unspecific and specific preventive measures (vaccination), as well as an early correct diagnosis of influenza in children.