Clinical findings of 16 cases of neonatal influenza / 临床儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical features, laboratory diagnostics, treatments, and prognosis of neonates infected with influenza. Methods The clinical data of 16 neonates diagnosed as influenza admitted to the neonatal ward from January 2015 to May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 16 neonates, 11 were male and 5 were female. Mean age was 18.5 days. 75% (12/16) of them were reported to be exposed to family members with common cold- like symptoms before hospitalization. Clinical manifestations included nasal obstruction (11/16), fever (10/16), cough (10/16), and rhinorrhea (8/16). Influenza antigen rapid detection (colloidal gold method) was positive in all cases. Influenza immunofluorescence assays were performed in 15 cases, only 6.67% (1/15) was positive. Sputum culture was performed in 13 cases, 8 of which were positive. Of them, 75% (12/16) neonates were diagnosed with pneumonia. Only 12.5% (2/16) neonates were treated with neuraminidase inhibitor. All cases recovered well and were discharged after antibiotic treatment. Conclusions Neonates contacted with family members displaying common cold-like symptoms should be examined for influenza in time. The common clinical manifestations include catarrhal symptoms, fever and cough. The sensitivity of the influenza immunofluorescence assay is lower as compared with the colloidal gold method. Pneumonia may often be developed in neonatal influenza. The prognosis of neonatal influenza is satisfactory if treated.