Burden of Severe 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Children in Southeast Spain

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Most of the published studies on patients admitted with 2009 pandemic influenza are not population based. We have compiled the clinical information regarding all children admitted with 2009pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection during the season 2009-2010 in our defined population, in order to have an unbiased view of the most severe side of the clinical spectrum of the infection and to quantify its burden. Methods: Children <15 years-old admitted to any of 3 hospitals in South-East Spain with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) detected by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. High quality data were extracted from clinical records specially designed for the pandemic. Results: Eighty two children fulfilled the inclusion (..) (AU)