Dexamethasone potentiates chimeric antigen receptor T cell persistence and function by enhancing IL-7Rα expression.

Dexamethasone (dex) is a glucocorticoid that is a mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies, including immunotherapy-associated toxicities, yet the specific impact of dex on the activity of CAR T cells is not fully understood. We assessed whether dex treatment given ex vivo or as an adjuvant in vivo with CAR T cells impacted the phenotype or function of CAR T cells. We demonstrated that CAR T cell expansion and function were not inhibited by dex. We confirmed this observation using multiple CAR constructs and tumor models, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon. Moreover, we determined that dex upregulated interleukin-7 receptor α on CAR T cells and increased the expression of genes involved in activation, migration, and persistence when supplemented ex vivo. Direct delivery of dex and IL-7 into tumor-bearing mice resulted in increased persistence of adoptively transferred CAR T cells and complete tumor regression. Overall, our studies provide insight into the use of dex to enhance CAR T cell therapy and represent potential novel strategies for augmenting CAR T cell function during production as well as following infusion into patients.

Impact of rotavirus vaccine on admissions due to acute gastroenteritis and rotavirus gastroenteritis in Israel.

AIM: We examined the impact of insertion of the Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) into the Israeli National Immunisation Programme (NIP) on hospitalisations due to both acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the medical records of children aged <5 years admitted with a diagnosis of AGE between 2008 and 2016 in two children's hospitals in central Israel. Clinical, laboratory, microbiological data and RV immunisation status were retrieved. Data were compared before and after the introduction of the RVV into the NIP. RESULTS: A total of 2042 children were admitted with AGE. Hospitalisations due to AGE and RVGE decreased from 3310 to 1950 and from 1027 to 585 per 100 000 admissions, respectively, after the RVV (relative risk reduction (RRR) of 41% and 43%, respectively). RV remained the most common pathogen in both study periods. There was no significant difference in the clinical course between immunised and non-immunised children admitted with RVGE. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the RVV to the NIP significantly reduced the admissions due to both AGE and RVGE in children <5 years. However, RV is still the most common agent for admissions due to AGE in this age group.

Atypical immune phenotype in severe combined immunodeficiency patients with novel mutations in IL2RG and JAK3.

Mutations in the common gamma chain of the interleukin 2 receptor (IL2RG) or the associated downstream signaling enzyme Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) genes are typically characterized by a T cell-negative, B cell-positive, natural killer (NK) cell-negative (T-B+NK-) severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) immune phenotype. We report clinical course, immunological, genetic and proteomic work-up of two patients with different novel mutations in the IL-2-JAK3 pathway with a rare atypical presentation of T-B+NK- SCID. Lymphocyte subpopulation revealed significant T cells lymphopenia, normal B cells, and NK cells counts (T-B+NK+SCID). Despite the presence of B cells, IgG levels were low and IgA and IgM levels were undetectable. T-cell proliferation in response to mitogens in patient 1 was very low and T-cell receptor V-beta chain repertoire in patient 2 was polyclonal. Whole-exome sequencing revealed novel mutations in both patients (patient 1-c.923delC frame-shift mutation in the IL2RG gene, patient 2-c.G172A a homozygous missense mutation in the JAK3 gene). Bioinformatic analysis of the JAK3 mutation indicated deleterious effect and 3D protein modeling located the mutation to a surface exposed alpha-helix structure. Our findings help to link between genotype and phenotype, which is a key factor for the diagnosis and treatment of SCID patients.

Congenital neutropenia with variable clinical presentation in novel mutation of the SRP54 gene.

BACKGROUND: The SRP54 (signal recognition protein 54) is a conserved component of the ribonucleoprotein complex that mediates cotranslational targeting and translocation of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. In 2017, mutations in the gene have been described as a cause of congenital neutropenia with or without pancreatic insufficiency, and since then, only limited cases were added to the literature. METHODS: Two patients with neutropenia underwent hematological, immunological, and genetic work-up, including lymphocyte phenotyping, immunoglobulins, and complement levels, antineutrophil and antinuclear antibodies, bone marrow FISH panel for myelodysplastic syndrome, whole-exome sequencing, and in silico proteomic analysis. RESULTS: Clinical findings in the two families revealed a wide spectrum of immunological and clinical manifestations, ranging from mild asymptomatic neutropenia during febrile illnesses to severe neutropenia and life-threatening infection requiring leg amputation. Immunological and hematological work-up showed isolated neutropenia with normal lymphocyte subpopulations, immunoglobulin and complement levels, and negative autoimmune tests. Bone marrow aspirations showed variability ranging from normal myelopoiesis to myeloid maturation arrest at the promyelocytic stage, with normal FISH panel for myelodysplastic syndrome. Genetic analysis identified a novel, de novo, in-frame deletion in the SRP54 gene, c.342-344delAAC, p.T115del. In silico proteomic analysis suggested impaired SRP54 protein function due to reduced GTP activity and stability. CONCLUSIONS: We describe congenital neutropenia with variable clinical presentation in novel mutation of the SRP54 gene.

Correction to: Ambulatory blood pressure profiles in familial dysautonomia.

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Treatment Outcomes of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteremia in Critically Ill Children: A Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that may cause a myriad of clinical diseases in immunocompromised individuals. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, mortality, and treatment of S. maltophilia bacteremia in critically ill children, a topic on which data are sparse. DESIGN: A multicenter observational retrospective study in which medical charts of critically ill children with S. maltophilia bacteremia were reviewed between 2012 and 2017. SETTING: Data were collected from each of the four largest PICUs nationwide, allocated in tertiary medical centers to which children with complex conditions are referred regularly. PATIENTS: A total of 68 suitable cases of S. maltophilia bacteremia were retrieved and reviewed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The total occurrence rate of S. maltophilia isolation had increased significantly during the study period (r = 0.65; p = 0.02). The crude mortality was 42%, and the attributed mortality was 18%. Significant risk factors for mortality were a longer length of hospital stay prior to infection (33 d in nonsurvivors vs 28 in survivors; p = 0.03), a nosocomial source of infection (p = 0.02), presentation with septic shock (p < 0.001), and treatment with chemotherapy (p = 0.007) or carbapenem antibiotics (p = 0.05) prior to culture retrieval. On multivariate analysis, septic shock (odds ratio, 14.6; 95% CI, 1.45-147.05; p = 0.023) and being treated with chemotherapy prior to infection (odds ratio, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.59-17.19; p = 0.006)] were associated with mortality. The combination of ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and minocycline resulted in the longest survival time (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The significant attributed mortality associated with S. maltophilia bacteremia in critically ill children calls for an aggressive therapeutic approach. The findings of this investigation favor a combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.

Ambulatory blood pressure profiles in familial dysautonomia.

OBJECTIVE: Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare genetic disease that involves extreme blood pressure fluctuations secondary to afferent baroreflex failure. The diurnal blood pressure profile, including the average, variability, and day-night difference, may have implications for long-term end organ damage. The purpose of this study was to describe the circadian pattern of blood pressure in the FD population and relationships with renal and pulmonary function, use of medications, and overall disability. METHODS: We analyzed 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recordings in 22 patients with FD. Information about medications, disease severity, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration, eGFR), pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1) and an index of blood pressure variability (standard deviation of systolic pressure) were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean (± SEM) 24-h blood pressure was 115 ± 5.6/72 ± 2.0 mmHg. The diurnal blood pressure variability was high (daytime systolic pressure standard deviation 22.4 ± 1.5 mmHg, nighttime 17.2 ± 1.6), with a high frequency of a non-dipping pattern (16 patients, 73%). eGFR, use of medications, FEV1, and disability scores were unrelated to the degree of blood pressure variability or to dipping status. INTERPRETATION: This FD cohort had normal average 24-h blood pressure, fluctuating blood pressure, and a high frequency of non-dippers. Although there was evidence of renal dysfunction based on eGFR and proteinuria, the ABPM profile was unrelated to the measures of end organ dysfunction or to reported disability.

Elevated IgM levels as a marker for a unique phenotype in patients with Ataxia telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare, multi-systemic, genetic disorder. Mutations in the ATM gene cause dysfunction in cell-cycle, apoptosis and V (D) J recombination leading to neurodegeneration, cellular, humoral immunodeficiencies and predisposition to malignancies. Previous studies have suggested that a sub-group of AT patients with elevated IgM levels have a distinct and more severe phenotype. In the current study we aimed to better characterize this group of patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 46 patient records, followed from January 1986 to January 2015 at the Israeli National AT Center. Demographic, clinical, radiological, laboratory data was reviewed and compared between AT patients with elevated IgM levels (EIgM) and patients with normal IgM levels (NIgM). RESULTS: 15/46(32.6%) patients had significantly elevated IgM levels. This group had a unique phenotype characterized mainly by increased risk of infection and early mortality. Colonization of lower respiratory tract with Mycobacterium gordonae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as viral skin infections were more frequent in EIgM patients. Patients with NIgM had a significantly longer survival as compared to patients with EIgM but had an increased incidence of fatty liver or cirrhosis. T-cell recombination excision circles and kappa-deleting element recombination circle levels were significantly lower in the EIgM group, suggesting an abnormal class switching in this group. CONCLUSIONS: EIgM in AT patients are indicative of a more severe phenotype that probably results from a specific immune dysfunction. EIgM in AT should be considered a unique AT phenotype that may require different management.

Immunometabolic Adaptation of CD19-Targeted CAR T Cells in the Central Nervous System Microenvironment of Patients Promotes Memory Development.

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of T-cell activation, and metabolic fitness is fundamental for T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Insights into the metabolic plasticity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients could help identify approaches to improve their efficacy in treating cancer. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal immunometabolic adaptation of CD19-targeted CAR T cells using clinical samples from CAR T-cell-treated patients. Context-dependent immunometabolic adaptation of CAR T cells demonstrated the link between their metabolism, activation, differentiation, function, and local microenvironment. Specifically, compared with the peripheral blood, low lipid availability, high IL15, and low TGFß in the central nervous system microenvironment promoted immunometabolic adaptation of CAR T cells, including upregulation of a lipolytic signature and memory properties. Pharmacologic inhibition of lipolysis in cerebrospinal fluid led to decreased CAR T-cell survival. Furthermore, manufacturing CAR T cells in cerebrospinal fluid enhanced their metabolic fitness and antileukemic activity. Overall, this study elucidates spatiotemporal immunometabolic rewiring of CAR T cells in patients and demonstrates that these adaptations can be exploited to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells. SIGNIFICANCE: The spatiotemporal immunometabolic landscape of CD19-targeted CAR T cells from patients reveals metabolic adaptations in specific microenvironments that can be exploited to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells.

Evaluation of the Elements of Short Hairpin RNAs in Developing shRNA-Containing CAR T Cells.

Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) have emerged as a powerful tool for gene knockdown in various cellular systems, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. However, the elements of shRNAs that are crucial for their efficacy in developing shRNA-containing CAR T cells remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different shRNA elements, including promoter strength, orientation, multiple shRNAs, self-targeting, and sense and antisense sequence composition on the knockdown efficiency of the target gene in CAR T cells. Our findings highlight the importance of considering multiple shRNAs and their orientation to achieve effective knockdown. Moreover, we demonstrate that using a strong promoter and avoiding self-targeting can enhance CAR T cell functionality. These results provide a framework for the rational design of CAR T cells with shRNA-mediated knockdown capabilities, which could improve the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cell-based immunotherapy.

An 8-Year-Old Boy With Prolonged Fever and Subcutaneous Nodules.

An 8-year-old boy with asthma presented with prolonged fever, malaise, extremity weakness, polyarthralgias, malar rash, and subcutaneous nodules. Physical examination was remarkable for a faint malar rash, flesh-colored papules on the dorsal aspect of the fingers, arthritis of multiple joints in the hands, and subcutaneous nodules. The nodules were firm, nontender, and distributed over multiple extremities and the trunk. The patient was admitted to expedite workup. Initial laboratory test results revealed leukopenia, mild elevation of the aminotransferases, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and normal level of creatine kinase. His echocardiogram was normal. Infectious disease studies were negative. Additional examination revealed dilated capillaries in his nail beds and bilateral hip weakness. MRI of his extremities was negative for myositis or calcification of the nodules. We obtained a biopsy of the subcutaneous nodules, and because the patient remained afebrile during the hospitalization, we discharged him from the hospital with outpatient follow-up. Our expert panel reviews the course of the patient's evaluation and investigation, as well as the implications of his diagnosis based on the tissue pathology from the nodule biopsy.

Single-cell analysis by mass cytometry reveals CD19 CAR T cell spatiotemporal plasticity in patients.

The adaptive T cell immune response requires cellular plasticity to generate distinct subsets with diverse functional and migratory capacities. Studies of CAR T cells have primarily focused on a limited number of phenotypic markers in blood, representing an incomplete view of CAR T cell complexity. Here, we adapted mass cytometry to simultaneously analyze trafficking and functional proteins expression in CD19 CAR T cells across patients' tissues, including leukapheresis T cells, CAR product, CAR T cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cerebrospinal fluid post infusion and correlate them with phenotypes. This approach revealed spatiotemporal plasticity of CAR T cells. Patients' CAR product revealed upregulation in many trafficking and activation molecules compared to leukapheresis T cells as baseline. Including statistically significant upregulation in CD4 and CD8 integrin-ß7, CD4 granzyme B, and CD11a as well as CD8 CD25 and CD95. Moreover, patients' tissues showed spatiotemporal alteration in trafficking, activation, maturation, and exhaustion features, with a distinct signature in the central nervous system niche. Compared to peripheral blood samples, cerebrospinal fluid samples were statistically significant enriched in CD4 and CD8 trafficking and memory phenotype proteins integrin ß7, CCR7, CXCR4, and CD8 CD69. Our data provide a potential framework to remodel CAR T cells and enhance immunotherapy efficacy.

Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infection in Children in Central Israel in 2012-2019.

BACKGROUND: Group A Streptococcus can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening disease in children. The past few years have witnessed a rise in invasive group A Streptococcus infection (iGASi) for unclear reasons. This study attempted to describe the epidemiology, the clinical and demographic characteristics and the outcomes associated with iGASi in hospitalized children in central Israel. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of children <18 years old discharged with a diagnosis of iGASi between January 2012 and December 2019. Clinical, laboratory and microbiologic data, and immunization status were retrieved. The patients were divided into severe and nonsevere groups based on their clinical presentation. The emm type was determined at the national reference center. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients with 206 positive cultures for group A Streptococcus were identified. Hospitalizations for iGASi increased from 701 to 958 per 100,000 admissions between 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, respectively, representing an increase of 37%. The majority of the isolates were from the otolaryngologic system followed by blood, deep soft tissue and respiratory sites. Uncomplicated mastoiditis was the most common diagnosis, followed by bacteremia. Pneumonia was the main diagnosis in the severe group (39.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The admissions because of iGASi in children <18 years old increased during the last 8 years. Surveillance systems and prospective studies should be conducted to expend our understanding of the epidemiology of iGASi in children, better assess the pathogenesis and specific risk factors and monitor changes in emm-type distribution.

Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and increasing viral variants in children and young adults with impaired humoral immunity.

Background: There is increasing concern that persistent infection of SARS-CoV-2 within immunocompromised hosts could serve as a reservoir for mutation accumulation and subsequent emergence of novel strains with the potential to evade immune responses. Methods: We describe three patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were persistently positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Viral viability from longitudinally-collected specimens was assessed. Whole-genome sequencing and serological studies were performed to measure viral evolution and evidence of immune escape. Findings: We found compelling evidence of ongoing replication and infectivity for up to 162 days from initial positive by subgenomic RNA, single-stranded RNA, and viral culture analysis. Our results reveal a broad spectrum of infectivity, host immune responses, and accumulation of mutations, some with the potential for immune escape. Interpretation: Our results highlight the need to reassess infection control precautions in the management and care of immunocompromised patients. Routine surveillance of mutations and evaluation of their potential impact on viral transmission and immune escape should be considered. Funding: The work was partially funded by The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles intramural support for COVID-19 Directed Research (X.G. and J.D.B.), the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance HHSN272201400007C (A.P.), NIH/NIAID R01AI127877 (S.D.B.), NIH/NIAID R01AI130398 (S.D.B.), NIH 1U54CA260517 (S.D.B.), an endowment to S.D.B. from the Crown Family Foundation, an Early Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship Stipend to O.F.W. from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), and a Coulter COVID-19 Rapid Response Award to S.D.B. L.G. is a SHARE Research Fellow in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.

Increased viral variants in children and young adults with impaired humoral immunity and persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection: A consecutive case series.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing concern that persistent infection of SARS-CoV-2 within immunocompromised hosts could serve as a reservoir for mutation accumulation and subsequent emergence of novel strains with the potential to evade immune responses. METHODS: We describe three patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were persistently positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Viral viability from longitudinally-collected specimens was assessed. Whole-genome sequencing and serological studies were performed to measure viral evolution and evidence of immune escape. FINDINGS: We found compelling evidence of ongoing replication and infectivity for up to 162 days from initial positive by subgenomic RNA, single-stranded RNA, and viral culture analysis. Our results reveal a broad spectrum of infectivity, host immune responses, and accumulation of mutations, some with the potential for immune escape. INTERPRETATION: Our results highlight the potential need to reassess infection control precautions in the management and care of immunocompromised patients. Routine surveillance of mutations and evaluation of their potential impact on viral transmission and immune escape should be considered.

Predictors for plication performance following diaphragmatic paralysis in children.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) in children can result from various etiologies. Guidelines for patient selection for diaphragmatic plication (DPL) are lacking. Our objectives were to describe the etiologies of DP and to determine the risk factors and predictors for DPL in the pediatric population. METHODS: Retrospective data were retrieved from departmental databases on patients with DP from the pediatric, cardiac, and neonatal intensive care departments of Safra Children's Hospital from 2010 to 2017. RESULTS: DP was diagnosed in 88 patients, 29 with noncardiac surgery-related etiologies, for example, congenital, surgery, trauma, and shock and 59 with cardiac surgery-related etiologies. In total, 27 (31%) patients underwent DPL, and they had significant comorbidities involving respiratory, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems, higher lung injury scores, and lower weight compared with the patients who did not undergo DPL (P = .002, P = .002, P < .001, P = .012, and P = .013, respectively). A multivariate regression model revealed significant independent predictors for DPL, including morbidities of central nervous (odds ratio [OR = 9.651, P = .005), respiratory (OR = 4.875, P = .039), and cardiovascular systems (OR = 23.938, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Etiologies of DP are very diverse in the pediatric population. Comorbidities of respiratory, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems are risk factors for plication requirement in respiratory support-dependent pediatric patients with DP. Early DPL should be considered in these patients.

Immune reconstitution after HSCT in SCID-a cohort of conditioned and unconditioned patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the effective mean of immune restoration in severe combined immunodefiency (SCID). Usually, HSCT without cytoreductive conditioning is attempted. Nevertheless, conditioning procedures are still preferred in a subset of patients. Herein, we describe the immunological outcome in a cohort of conditioned and unconditioned patients, from diagnosis, through transplantation, to follow-up. This retrospective study was conducted on 17 patients with SCID (10 conditioned, 7 unconditioned) who later underwent HSCT. Immune reconstitution was assessed in the post-transplant year by quantification of T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs), among additional laboratory and clinical evaluations. Unconditioned patients were diagnosed and transplanted earlier. TREC and KREC quantification showed a gradual increase in both groups, with higher levels in the conditioned group. Engraftment percentages differed drastically between groups, favoring the conditioned group. Unconditioned patients were significantly more dependent on intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs). One patient from each group succumbed to disease complications. Conditioning demonstrated superior laboratorial outcomes. Patients with unique characteristics (i.e., consanguinity, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination, impaired access to IVIG) may require personalized considerations. The effort to implement secondary prevention of SCID with newborn screening should continue.

Circulating MicroRNAs: a Potential Biomarker for Cardiac Damage, Inflammatory Response, and Left Ventricular Function Recovery in Pediatric Viral Myocarditis.

Viral myocarditis (VM) can be a life-threatening event resulting in cardiac failure, chronic cardiomyopathy, and death. VM typically includes three phases, i.e., acute, subacute, and resolution/chronic. We prospectively investigated cardiac- and inflammatory-associated plasma-circulating miRNA levels in eight pediatric patients with VM during the three stages of the disease. The level of cardiac-associated miR-208a was significantly elevated during the acute phase compared with the subacute and resolution/chronic phases. The level of cardiac- and inflammatory-associated miR-21 was significantly elevated during the acute phase compared to the resolution/chronic phase. Moreover, cardiac-associated miR-208b levels during the subacute phase correlated with systolic left ventricular function recovery as measured during the resolution/chronic phase. The findings of our study demonstrate an association between cardiac damage and the inflammatory response and the expression of miR-208a and miR-21 during the pathological progression of myocarditis. We also found that miR-208b levels exhibit a prognostic significance for left ventricular functional recovery.

Alternative Splicing of STAT3 Is Affected by RNA Editing.

A-to-I RNA editing, carried out by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes, is an epigenetic phenomenon of posttranscriptional modifications on pre-mRNA. RNA editing in intronic sequences may influence alternative splicing of flanking exons. We have previously shown that conditions that induce editing result in elevated expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), preferentially the alternatively-spliced STAT3ß isoform. Mechanisms regulating alternative splicing of STAT3 have not been elucidated. STAT3 undergoes A-to-I RNA editing in an intron residing in proximity to the alternatively spliced exon. We hypothesized that RNA editing plays a role in regulating alternative splicing toward STAT3ß. In this study we extend our observation connecting RNA editing to the preferential induction of STAT3ß expression. We study the involvement of ADAR1 in STAT3 editing and reveal the connection between editing and alternative splicing of STAT3. Deferoaxamine treatment caused the induction in STAT3 RNA editing and STAT3ß expression. Silencing ADAR1 caused a decrease in STAT3 editing and expression with a preferential decrease in STAT3ß. Cells transfected with a mutated minigene showed preferential splicing toward the STAT3ß transcript. Editing in the STAT3 intron is performed by ADAR1 and affects STAT3 alternative splicing. These results suggest that RNA editing is one of the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of STAT3ß.

Epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics of influenza A/H1N1 in Moslem Bedouin and Jewish children hospitalized in southern Israel during 2009.

A total of 739 (225 H1N1(+)) children with a diagnosis of acute respiratory infection were hospitalized during July to December 2009. The H1N1(+) children were compared with 225 randomly enrolled H1N1(-) children with an influenza-like illness. As compared with influenza-like illness patients, patients with 2009 influenza A/H1N1 were characterized by older age, more vomiting, less hypoxemia and wheezing, lower white blood cell counts, less neutrophilia, and severe lymphopenia.