Clinical presentation and management of enterovirus and parechovirus infection in children: A single-centre study in regional Australia.
Aust J Rural Health
; 2024 Jul 19.
Article
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39031324
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to analyse the clinical presentation caused by enterovirus (EV) and/or human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in children, as well as the management of such cases admitted to a regional hospital in Australia.METHODS:
Retrospective study reviewing medical records.SETTING:
Single hospital in regional Australia.PARTICIPANTS:
All children under 18 years admitted over the 5-year period beginning from 1 January 2017 with confirmed EV and/or HPeV infection. Cases with clinically insignificant EV/HPeV isolation were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMEMEASURES:
Data collected included demographic data, signs and symptoms present, specimens of EV/HPeV isolation, co-occurring pathogens, peak C-reactive protein (CRP), antibiotic therapy, discharge diagnosis and follow-up after discharge.RESULTS:
Overall, 27 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 81.5% of the patients were ≤3 months of age with a median of 2 months (interquartile range 1-3); 74.1% were males. The most common clinical features were a fever ≥38°C and irritability/lethargy/high-pitched cry. 29.6% of the patients had co-occurring pathogens detected, and a CRP ≤10 mg/L was observed in 77.8% of cases. All but two children were treated with antibiotics while awaiting polymerase chain reaction results. The most common discharge diagnosis was meningitis. In all, 74.1% of the children attended follow-up appointments.CONCLUSIONS:
EV and HPeV should be considered as a possible aetiology of fever and irritability/lethargy/high-pitched cry in children under 3 months.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aust J Rural Health
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia