Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Severe Influenza in Hospitalized Children
Keywords:
Children, Clinical features, Complications, Risk factors, Severe influenzaAbstract
Objective : To study the clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe influenza in pediatric patients.
Methods : A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on patients aged 1 month to 15 years who were diagnosed with influenza via nasal swab and hospitalized at Mahasarakham Hospital from March 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Risk factors for severe disease were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Severe influenza was defined as cases with complications, hospitalization for more than 3 days, or death.
Results : Among 181 patients, 56.9% were older than 5 years. Severe influenza occurred in 56.4% of cases. The most common complications were neurological disorders (19.3%) and pneumonia (13.8%), while the mortality rate was 0.6%. Risk factors for severe disease included thalassemia (AOR=17.51, 95% CI: 1.47–209.10), a history of febrile seizures (AOR=11.10, 95% CI: 1.94–63.40), abnormal breath sounds (AOR=6.14, 95% CI: 1.12–33.64), and antibiotic use (AOR=6.57, 95% CI: 2.84–15.20). Oseltamivir treatment was identified as a protective factor against severe disease (AOR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.92).
Conclusion : Influenza predominantly affects children older than 5 years, with neurological disorders and pneumonia being the most frequent complications. Oseltamivir has been shown to reduce the risk of severe disease, whereas antibiotic use should be carefully evaluated to prevent unnecessary prescriptions. Vaccination should be encouraged for all children, especially those with risk factors such as thalassemia or a history of febrile seizures.
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