Frequency and characteristics of infectious diseases in internationally adopted children: a retrospective study in Nantes from 2010 to 2012.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Internationally adopted children are more susceptible to developing and carrying acute or chronic infectious diseases. Specialized consultations exist in the main French cities; however, specialized consultation with a pediatrician is not mandatory. The main objective of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of infections (bacterial, viral, and parasitic) among a group of international adoptees in Nantes over a 3-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of internationally adopted children who went through the Medical Guidance for Adopted Children Consultation between 2010 and 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 133 children were included in the study. Of these, 55% had an infectious disease; 8% were severe infections. We found a frequency of 38% [confidence interval (CI) 95% 30-46] for parasitic intestinal and 35% (CI 95% 27-43) for dermatologic infections. African children were more likely to have infections that required hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) = 12, p = 0.004, CI 95% 1.3-113.7] and more likely to carry extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of infectious diseases, and sometimes severe diseases, found among our cohort of internationally adopted children highlights the need for systematic, specialized medical care.