Comparison of the clinical features of children hospitalized with pandemic 2009 A:H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We compared the demographics, clinical presentation, course and outcome of children hospitalized with pandemic AH1N1 and seasonal influenza. METHODS: Sixty seven patients hospitalized from April 1st through August 31st 2009 with pandemic AH1N1 influenza were enrolled. Two seasonal influenza cohorts were identified 38 inpatients from January 1st 2004 through March 31st 2009, diagnosed by viral culture or direct fluorescent antibody testing; and 42 inpatients from January 1st 2007 through December 31st 2008 diagnosed via a rapid test. The two seasonal cohorts were not significantly different and were combined. RESULTS: Patients with pandemic influenza were older (median age 6.5 years versus 1.3 years, P <.0001); were more often black (46% versus 23%, P <.0002); more frequently had an underlying condition (72% versus 49% P <.0049); and more often had wheezing (57% versus 16%, P <.0001). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the groups in measures of severity during hospitalization.