RESUMEN
To describe the clinical characteristics of children who were hospitalized with respiratory infections during the year 2009 at Queen Alia Military Hospital in Amman and to compare features of confirmed influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 virus infections with features of Influenza-like illness. Hospitalized children under the age of 14 years with respiratory infections during the year 2009, with influenza A/H1N1/ virus infection were studied. All were tested with Real Time - Polymerase-Chain-Reaction [RT-PCR] assay for Influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 virus and chest radiography was done on admission. All were treated with Oseltamivir on admission till the laboratory results were available. During the study period, there were 77 admissions with respiratory infection. Only one death occurred. Forty-four [57%] were males, 44 had positive RT-PCR for influenza A/H1N1/2009 virus and 33[43%] tested negative and were considered, to have influenza-like illness. Comparing patients who had confirmed influenza A/H1N1/2009, to those with influenza-like illness, revealed that the mean age was 51 months versus 42 months. Underlying medical conditions were present in 70% versus 48% [p<0.001]. Chest radiographic findings were consistent with pneumonia in 100% versus 27% [p<0.001]. All patients had fever on admission. Dyspnoea was observed in 57% versus 33% [p<0.005]. Cough was seen in 91% versus 89% [p>0.05]. Vomiting affected 25% versus 18% [p>0.05]. Diarrhea occurred in 34% versus 21% [p>0.05]. Three patients had hematuria and one had croup, all were in the positively tested group. The patient that died had neurological disability and was tested positive for the infection. Influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 caused significant illness requiring hospitalization. When compared to patients with influenza-like illness, patients with influenza A/H1N1/2009 infections, were older, significantly more patients had dyspnoea, radiologically confirmed pneumonia and an underlying medical condition. Gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in patients with confirmed influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 infection, but the difference was not statistically significant