Digestive system manifestations in children infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus / 中国当代儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the digestive system manifestations in children infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective study of 153 children infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from November 2009 to January 2010 was conducted. The clinical features and outcomes of 69 children with digestive system manifestations were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The children presenting with digestive system manifestations accounted for 45% (69 cases) in the 153 hospitalized children with novel influenza A (H1N1) infection. Gastrointestinal manifestations were observed in 50 cases (33%) and liver function abnormality in 19 cases (12%). The incidence rate of coma, neurological complications, increase in creative kinase level, ICU admission, and death in the patients with digestive system manifestations were significantly higher than those without digestive system manifestations (P<0.05). In the 69 patients with digestive system manifestations, 5 died from severe complications and 64 recovered fully. Gastrointestinal manifestations disappeared through 1 to 3 days and abnormal liver function recovered through 4 to 7 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Digestive system manifestations are common in children infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Neurological system involvements are more common in the patients with digestive system manifestations than those without.</p>