Etiology of respiratory virus in croup with children in Korea

No abstract available.

Seasonal patterns and etiologies of croup in children during the period 2010–2015: A multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE: Croup is known to have epidemics in seasonal and biennial trends, and to be strongly associated with epidemics of parainfluenza virus. However, seasonal and annual epidemics of croup have not been clearly reported in Korea. This study aimed to examine the seasonal/annual patterns and etiologies of childhood croup in Korea during a consecutive 6-year period. METHODS: Pediatric croup data were collected from 23 centers in Korea from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015. Electronic medical records, including multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results, demographics and clinical information were cross-sectionally reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 2,598 childhood croup patients requiring hospitalization were identified during the study period. Among them, a total of 927 who underwent RT-PCR were included in the analysis. Males (61.5%) predominated, and most (63.0%) of them were younger than 2 years of age (median, 19 months; interquartile range, 11–31 months). Peak hospitalization occurred in 2010 and 2012 in even-numbered years, and parainfluenza virus (PIV, 39.7%) was the most common cause of childhood croup requiring hospitalization, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (14.9%), human rhinovirus (12.5%), Mycoplasma pneumonaie (10.6%), and human coronavirus (7.3%). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that croup hospitalization has a biennial pattern in even-numbered years. PIV may be the most common cause of childhood croup; however, croup epidemics could be attributed to other viruses.

Seasonality and etiology of croup in pediatric patients hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections: A long-term study between 2009 and 2017

PURPOSE: Croup is a common respiratory disease in children. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, etiology, and seasonal variations of respiratory virus infections in children with croup. METHODS: From October 2009 to September 2017, children admitted with croup to Gachon University Gil Medical Center under the age of 18 years were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively reviewed patients' medical records. RESULTS: A total of 1,053 of 27,330 patients (3.9%) infected with lower respiratory infections were diagnosed as having croup. In the age distribution, croup was most common (50.0%) in children aged 1 to <2 years. There were 2 peaks, the major in summer (July to August) and the minor in spring (March to May). Parainfluenza virus type 1 (15.8%) was most prevalent and coincided with the summer peaks of croup. Influenza virus type B and parainfluenza virus type 3 were the most frequent etiologic agents in a spring peak of croup. Although parainfluenza virus type 1 was predominant of all ages, human coronavirus was a significant cause of croup in children younger than 1 year, whereas influenza virus played an important role in children above the age of 3 years. CONCLUSION: Seasonality and epidemiology of croup varied with age and regions. Two peaks of seasonal fluctuation were in summer and spring, which were related to the seasonality of respiratory viruses in croup. These results may be helpful in planning clinical and research needs.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Parainfluenza Virus Type 4 in Korean Children: a Single Center Study, 2015–2017

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the epidemiology and the clinical characteristics of human parainfluenza virus type 4 (HPIV-4) infection compared to HPIVs 1–3 infections in Korean children. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of children with HPIV infection who visited Seoul National University Children's Hospital from 2015 to 2017. Detection of respiratory viruses was performed using real time-polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), which could differentiate HPIVs 1–4. Diagnosis was classified as a febrile illness, upper respiratory tract infection (URI), croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia. The epidemiology, demographic features, and clinical characteristics among HPIV types were compared. The clinical data were analyzed only for the previously healthy children. RESULTS: Of the 472 children diagnosed with HPIV infection, 108 (22.9%) were previously healthy: 24 (22.2%), 19 (17.6%), 39 (36.1%), and 26 (24.1%) in HPIV types 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The median age of children with HPIV-4 infection was 11 (0–195) months: the proportion of children aged 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed seasonal peak of HPIV-4 infection in 2015 and 2017. HPIV-4 was a common respiratory pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children.

Epidemiology and Clinical Severity of the Hospitalized Children with Viral Croup

PURPOSE: In this study, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients admitted for viral croup were analyzed to evaluate disease severity based on the organism that caused the infection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 302 patients who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at the Wonju Severance Hospital between May 2013 and December 2016 for viral croup. Patients who showed positive results on multiplex polymerase chain reaction were subsequently diagnosed with respiratory virus infection. The Westley scoring system was used to evaluate the severity of viral croup. RESULTS: Of the 302 patients, 149 were admitted due to severe viral croup, including 88 boys and 61 girls, with a boy-to-girl ratio of 1.44:1. About 110 cases of parainfluenza virus infection have been reported, which accounted for almost half of the total cases. The other identified viruses included influenza virus, human rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Analysis of the association between severe viral croup and causative pathogen revealed that only parainfluenza type 2 virus showed a significantly high risk. Parainfluenza type 2 virus did not show an age-based difference in frequency but showed relatively a higher frequency of infections during the summer and fall. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, parainfluenza virus type 2 was the only virus associated with severe viral croup. To facilitate proper preventive management, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of viral croup, prospective and multicenter studies should assess the additional variables and the severity of the virus. Additionally, further studies should be conducted to assess age-dependent influences, as well as the regional and seasonal incidence of viral infection.

Clinical presentation of croup in children according to causative viruses

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical features of croup in children according to viral etiology. METHODS: This study enrolled pediatric patients with croup, who showed positive results on respiratory virus reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction performed between January 2012 and December 2017. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients (119 boys and 60 girls) were enrolled with the mean age of 18.9±14.7 months. The viruses commonly identified were parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and influenza. Among these 4 viruses, patients with rhinovirus infection showed significantly shorter fever and admission durations. Patients with parainfluenza infection showed significantly lower incidences of epinephrine nebulization and patients with influenza infections showed significantly higher incidences of steroid treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of croup differ according to causative viruses. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the severity and prognosis of croup according to viral etiology.

Clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infections according to respiratory viruses in hospitalized children without underlying disease during the last 3 years / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Respiratory viruses play a significant role in the etiology of acute respiratory infections and exacerbation of chronic respiratory illnesses. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with acute viral lower respiratory infections.METHODS: This study investigated 1,168 children diagnosed with acute viral lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) between January 2012 and December 2014. Specimens of respiratory viruses were collected using a nasopharyngeal swab and analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed the clinical features of children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infections.RESULTS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of infection in children aged <5 years, was the most commonly detected pathogen in children with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and resulted in high proportions of children requiring oxygen treatment and intensive care unit admission. Rhinovirus was preceded by RSV as the second most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and was detected most frequently in the children aged ≥6 years. In addition, asthma was predominantly caused by rhinovirus in children aged ≥6 years, whereas croup was mostly caused by parainfluenza virus in those aged <5 years. Rhinovirus infection (p < 0.001) and history of asthma (p=0.049) were identified as significant risk factors for readmission within a month.CONCLUSION: We identified the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory viruses in children with acute lower respiratory infections during the last 3 years. Our findings may provide useful clinical insight to comprehend the acute viral lower RTIs in children.

Comparison of etiology and clinical presentation between children with laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis and croup

PURPOSE: Croup, a common childhood respiratory illness with various severities, has many unanswered questions. Laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis (LTBP) is a disease entity considered to be an extension of croup to the lower respiratory tract. The object of this study was to compare epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and viral etiologic spectrum between croup and LTBP. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with croup at Gachon University Gil Hospital from January 2010 to April 2016 were recruited. LTBP was defined as pneumonia confirmed on radiographs of patients with croup. Clinical findings and demographic data were reviewed of patients whose nasopharyngeal swabs were done for viral analysis. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients with only croup and 63 patients with LTBP were included. Croup was found to be significantly associated with parainfluenza virus type 1 (P=0.006). LTBP was related to parainfluenza virus type 3, respiratory syncytial virus, and human bocavirus (P=0.001, P=0.030, and P=0.019, respectively). The duration of fever was longer in patients with LTBP than in those with croup (3.87±1.85 days vs. 2.86±1.80 days, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Specific etiologic viruses might be associated with the progression from croup to LTBP. Pronged fever is also associated with progression from croup to LTBP.

Clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infections according to respiratory viruses in hospitalized children without underlying disease during the last 3 years / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Respiratory viruses play a significant role in the etiology of acute respiratory infections and exacerbation of chronic respiratory illnesses. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with acute viral lower respiratory infections. METHODS: This study investigated 1,168 children diagnosed with acute viral lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) between January 2012 and December 2014. Specimens of respiratory viruses were collected using a nasopharyngeal swab and analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed the clinical features of children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infections. RESULTS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of infection in children aged <5 years, was the most commonly detected pathogen in children with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and resulted in high proportions of children requiring oxygen treatment and intensive care unit admission. Rhinovirus was preceded by RSV as the second most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and was detected most frequently in the children aged ≥6 years. In addition, asthma was predominantly caused by rhinovirus in children aged ≥6 years, whereas croup was mostly caused by parainfluenza virus in those aged <5 years. Rhinovirus infection (p < 0.001) and history of asthma (p=0.049) were identified as significant risk factors for readmission within a month. CONCLUSION: We identified the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory viruses in children with acute lower respiratory infections during the last 3 years. Our findings may provide useful clinical insight to comprehend the acute viral lower RTIs in children.

Differences in Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Responses in Influenza Type A and B in a Single Hospital during 2013 to 2015

PURPOSE: We suspect there is a difference in the clinical manifestations and treatment response to antiviral drugs for influenza A and B. This study was conducted to investigate this difference. METHODS: We collected information on pediatric patients, infected with the influenza virus, admitted to Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital from October 2013 to May 2015. We investigated the clinical manifestations of influenza and differences in treatment response to oseltamivir treatment for the two types of influenza. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were included. The mean age was 3.5±4.0 years. When comparing the diseases associated with influenza A and B, croup (19.2% vs. 1.7%, P=0.001) was more common with influenza A infection. Myositis (0% vs. 6.7%, P=0.021) and gastroenteritis (29.5% vs. 46.7%, P=0.038) were more common with influenza B infection. When comparing the total fever duration from the start of oseltamivir administration, patients treated with oseltamivir within 2 days of fever had the shortest duration. Among the patients treated with oseltamivir, the duration of fever, after the start of oseltamivir treatment, for was shorter for influenza A infection than for influenza B infection (16.0±19.1 hours vs. 28.9±27.9 hours, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be differences in the accompanying diseases and antiviral medication responses between the two types of influenza. It is important to administer oseltamivir within 2 days of fever.

Two Cases of Pneumothorax and Subcutaneous Emphysema Associated with Removal of Neglected Tracheal Foreign Body / 대한이비인후과학회지

Tracheal foreign body aspiration, which most commonly occurs in the pediatric population, can lead to a life-threatening event. In many pediatric cases it is difficult to confirm a history of foreign body aspiration, with frequent misdiagnoses of asthma, croup or pneumonia, leading to increased complications and mortality. When a tracheal foreign body is suspected, the treatment principle is to do bronchoscopy under the cooperation of otolaryngologists, pediatricians and cardiothoracic surgeons; the choice between procedures should be made with consideration of factors such as the size, location of foreign body and the condition of the patient. Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax are rarely reported complications of tracheal foreign body, and are known to usually occur after removal of the foreign body. The authors hereby report, with a review of the literature, 2 cases of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax occurring after foreign body removal through bronchoscopy and tracheotomy in pediatric tracheal aspiration patients.

Clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with croup and epiglottitis who visited 146 Emergency Departments in Korea / 소아과

PURPOSE: Croup is a common pediatric respiratory illness with symptoms of varying severity. Moreover, epiglottitis is a rare disease that can rapidly progress to life-threatening airway obstruction. Although the clinical course and treatments differ between croup and epiglottitis, they are difficult to differentiate on presentation. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of croup and epiglottitis in Emergency Department patients. METHODS: The 2012 National Emergency Department Information System database of 146 Korean Emergency Departments was used to investigate patients aged < or =18 years presenting with croup or epiglottitis. RESULTS: We analyzed 19,374 croup patients and 236 epiglottitis patients. The male:female sex ratios were 1.9:1 and 2.3:1 and mean ages were 2.2+/-2.0 and 5.6+/-5.8 years, respectively. The peak incidence of croup was observed in July and that of epiglottitis was observed in May. The hospitalization rate was lower in croup than in epiglottitis patients, and the proportion of patients treated in the intensive care unit was lower among croup patients. The 3 most common chief complaints in both croup and epiglottitis patients were cough, fever, and dyspnea. Epiglottitis patients experienced dyspnea, sore throat, and vomiting more often than croup patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups had similar sex ratios, arrival times, 3 most common chief complaints, and 5 most common comorbidities. Epiglottitis patients had a lower incidence rate, higher mean age of onset, and higher hospitalization rate and experienced dyspnea, sore throat, and vomiting more often than croup patients. Our results may help in the differential diagnosis of croup and epiglottitis.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Full-Term Newborns without Risk Factors

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the characteristics and symptoms of full-term newborns without risk factors who were diagnosed with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI). METHODS: Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 72 full-term newborns to 30 days of age who were diagnosed with ALRI from September 2011 to November 2013 and analyzed by multiplex real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Viruses were detected in 60 newborns (83.3%). Single viruses were observed in 56 newborns (77.7%). The most commonly detected viral agent was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (63.8%), followed by parainfluenza virus (6.9%), rhinovirus A/B (4.1%), and human coronavirus (2.7%). Clinical diagnoses of ALRI in newborns with a single virus included pneumonia (66.07%), bronchiolitis (30.43%), bronchitis (5.35 %), and croup (1.79%). There were no differences in epidemiological characteristics between RSV and other viruses. However, newborns diagnosed with RSV had prolonged hospitalizations and significantly increased respiratory rates. CONCLUSION: Respiratory viruses, especially RSV, are pivotal causes of ALRI in newborns. Further, studies on RSV severity and vaccination are necessary to reduce hospitalization and mortality of full-term infants.

Croup, tratamiento actual / Croup management

Croup is a frequent cause of outpatient and emergency consultation. It is frequently triggered by a viral respiratory infection and characterized by an abrupt onset. We describe current studies about the treatment of croup. The use of systemic corticosteroids stands out as choice treatment, and nebulized epinephrine as short term therapy while waiting for the anti-inflammatory effect of steroids.

El Croup (laringitis aguda) es motivo frecuente de consulta en servicios de urgencia y policlínicos pediátricos. Generalmente es gatillado por una infección respiratoria viral y se caracteriza por un inicio abrupto. En el presente texto se describen los estudios vigentes acerca de su tratamiento. Destacan los corticoides sistémicos como terapia de elección y la adrenalina nebulizada como terapia de acción corta en espera de la acción antinflamatoria esteroidal.

Laringitis aguda obstructiva o crup viral / Acute laryngotracheitis or viral croup

We present the problem of viral croup or acute laryngotracheitis as an important respiratory issue in children that often prompts parents to seek physician consultation. Despite its frequency, there is still controversy among the medical team regarding its treatment. The problem will be defined and analyzed in-depth in terms of pathogenesis, to finally suggest a simple, clinically effective treatment than can be applied in any emergency service. We highlight the importance of epinephrine and corticosteroids in the acute treatment of these patients...

Clinical Characteristics of Influenza B Virus in Children and the Efficacy of Oseltamivir: Data from Two University Hospitals / 소아감염

PURPOSE: There has been little research regarding the effectiveness of oseltamivir for influenza B infections. We sought to identify the different clinical manifestations between patients treated with and without oseltamivir. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the medical records of 72 inpatients or outpatients from two medical centers diagnosed with influenza B infections by either a rapid antigen test or multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR between January 2012 and July 2012. We compared gender, age, past medical history, admission period, total fever duration, fever duration after hospitalization, post-oseltamivir medication peak temperature, laboratory test, chest X-ray, antibiotic medication, and the presence of concomitant viral or bacterial infections. RESULTS: The number of subjects in our study was 72 who were diagnosed with influenza B pneumonia, acute bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, croup, and mean age was 3.6+/-2.8 year old. The demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations of oseltamivir and the non-oseltamivir groups, including hospitalization period (4.18+/-2.10 vs 4.79+/-1.49 days, P=.17) and total fever duration (5.32+/-2.07 vs 6.41+/-3.25 days, P=.09), demonstrated no significant differences. Notably, the oseltamivir group did have significantly reduced usage of antibiotic treatment than the non-oseltamivir group (P=.04). When we limited our patient group to patients under the age of three, similar results were seen. The group prescribed oseltamivir within 48 hours of fever onset had less antibiotic usage, in addition to a shorter fever duration. CONCLUSION: Oseltamivir appeared to have no benefit in improving the clinical course. However, if it is prescribed within the first 48 hours of symptoms, it may be more effective.

Unexpected and severe postintubation croup after a very short day surgery in a pediatric patient: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

An 18 month-old boy underwent endoscopic foreign body removal under anesthesia on an outpatient basis and the operation took approximately 5 minutes. Stridor developed in both lung fields 6 hours after emergence from anesthesia, and severe croup developed, with cyanosis of the lips and aggravated stridor 20 hours after the end of the procedure. The croup resolved with oxygen therapy, intravenous dexamethasone, and epinephrine nebulization therapy. In this report, we suggest that thorough investigations of the patient's past history, including history of any airway problems, and careful monitoring after emergence from anesthesia be done in order to decide the proper discharge time of the patient. Further, proper prophylaxis following risk stratification is important, especially in patients at high risk of postoperative airway obstruction.

Unexpected and severe postintubation croup after a very short day surgery in a pediatric patient: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

An 18 month-old boy underwent endoscopic foreign body removal under anesthesia on an outpatient basis and the operation took approximately 5 minutes. Stridor developed in both lung fields 6 hours after emergence from anesthesia, and severe croup developed, with cyanosis of the lips and aggravated stridor 20 hours after the end of the procedure. The croup resolved with oxygen therapy, intravenous dexamethasone, and epinephrine nebulization therapy. In this report, we suggest that thorough investigations of the patient's past history, including history of any airway problems, and careful monitoring after emergence from anesthesia be done in order to decide the proper discharge time of the patient. Further, proper prophylaxis following risk stratification is important, especially in patients at high risk of postoperative airway obstruction.

Association between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and respiratory tract infections in the first 6 months of age in a Korean population: a birth cohort study (COCOA) / 소아과

PURPOSE: Previous studies suggest that the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in cord blood may show an inverse association with respiratory tract infections (RTI) during childhood. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of 25(OH)D concentrations in cord blood on infant RTI in a Korean birth cohort. METHODS: The levels of 25(OH)D in cord blood obtained from 525 Korean newborns in the prospective COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases were examined. The primary outcome variable of interest was the prevalence of RTI at 6-month follow-up, as diagnosed by pediatricians and pediatric allergy and pulmonology specialists. RTI included acute nasopharyngitis, rhinosinusitis, otitis media, croup, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. RESULTS: The median concentration of 25(OH)D in cord blood was 32.0 nmol/L (interquartile range, 21.4 to 53.2). One hundred and eighty neonates (34.3%) showed 25(OH)D concentrations less than 25.0 nmol/L, 292 (55.6%) showed 25(OH)D concentrations of 25.0-74.9 nmol/L, and 53 (10.1%) showed concentrations of > or =75.0 nmol/L. Adjusting for the season of birth, multivitamin intake during pregnancy, and exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy, 25(OH)D concentrations showed an inverse association with the risk of acquiring acute nasopharyngitis by 6 months of age (P for trend=0.0004). CONCLUSION: The results show that 89.9% of healthy newborns in Korea are born with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (55.6% and 34.3%, respectively). Cord blood vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in healthy neonates is associated with an increased risk of acute nasopharyngitis by 6 months of age. More time spent outdoors and more intensified vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women may be needed to prevent the onset of acute nasopharyngitis in infants.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Respiratory Viruses in Pediatric Inpatients in a Single Medical Center in Daegu from 2010 to 2012 / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic and clinical features of acute respiratory viral infection in hospitalized children. METHODS: From 2010 to 2012, we tested nasopharyngeal swab specimen in 1,584 hospitalized children with multiple real-time polymerase chain reactions to identify 10 kinds of respiratory viruses (including influenza virus A, B (FluA, FluB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (MPV), adenovirus (AdV), human coronavirus (CoronaV), human enterovirus (HEV), human bocavirus (HBoV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and human rhinovirus (Rhinovirus)). We analyzed the positive rate, annual and seasonal variations, and clinical features (respiratory tract and non-respiratory tract) according to the retrospective review of medical records. RESULTS: Respiratory viruses were detected from 678 (42.8%) of 1,584 patients. The most common detected virus was RSV (35.0%), and then AdV (19.0%), HEV (18.1%). The critical period of the respiratory viral infection was during the first 12 months of a child's life. PIV increased by 8.4%, 12.1%, and 21.1% annually. Bronchiolitis was most frequently caused by RSV, and croup was frequently caused by PIV. The most common cause of meningitis was HEV. Hepatitis-associated respiratory virus was developed 111 in 678 cases. CONCLUSION: Although this study was confined to a single medical center for three years, we identified the epidemiology and clinical feature of respiratory viruses in Daegu from 2010 to 2012. Future surveillance will be necessary for annual and seasonal variations.