[Viral epidemiology and clinical severity during the peak of the influenza A(H1N1) variant epidemic in febrile respiratory diseases of children].

UNLABELLED

In 2009, a new emerging flu virus, A(H1N1), was identified. Its true medical impact on children's health remains widely debated.

AIM

To define the prevalence of respiratory disease in children hospitalized with fever during the influenza A(H1N1) epidemic and to determine the clinical, paraclinical, and outcome characteristics according to the viruses identified.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Children hospitalized for a febrile respiratory disease were included in this prospective cohort study conducted at Bordeaux University's Children's Hospital (France) during the influenza epidemic from 2009/11/23 to 2009/12/20.

RESULTS

Seventy-three children were included in the study. Viruses were identified by PCR in 52% (38/73) of cases, including 23% (17/73) A(H1N1) virus and 29% (21/73) other viruses, 22% (16/73) of which were syncytial respiratory viruses. There was only one case of co-infection between A(H1N1) virus and another virus from the para-influenza virus or adenovirus or bocavirus pool. No significant difference regarding age, sex, or risk factors in the different viral groups was noted. Regarding the A(H1N1) virus, the most frequent symptoms were deterioration of the overall health status, cough, ENT disease, and rapid breathing, with significantly less increased breathing effort and auscultatory abnormality albeit with more seizures. There was no significant difference between groups regarding laboratory data. Management and outcome were similar.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of A(H1N1) virus during the 2009 epidemic in Aquitaine was low among febrile hospitalized children with breathing symptoms. Clinical and paraclinical signs were non-specific. The tolerance and prognosis of influenza A(H1N1) infection in children was satisfactory.