Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of childhood pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus infection: an observational cohort study
2011

Characteristics of Childhood H1N1 Virus Infection

Sample size: 2971 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rhim Jung-Woo, Lee Kyung-Yil, Youn You-Sook, Kang Jin-Han, Kim Ji-Chang

Primary Institution: The Catholic University of Korea

Hypothesis

What are the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of childhood pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus infection?

Conclusion

Children of all ages were affected by the 2009 H1N1 virus, with males being more prevalent among pneumonia patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 90% of cases occurred during a two-month period.
  • 205 patients (94.5%) received oseltamivir within 48 hours of fever onset.
  • The group with pneumonia had higher leukocyte counts and lower lymphocyte differentials.

Takeaway

This study looked at kids who got sick from the H1N1 virus and found that boys were more likely to get pneumonia, but kids of all ages got sick.

Methodology

The study evaluated 2,971 patients with 2009 H1N1 virus infection and reviewed clinical records of 217 hospitalized children.

Potential Biases

The admission policy may have led to an overrepresentation of uncomplicated cases.

Limitations

The study did not perform extensive microbiological testing, which may affect the results.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 2 months to 15 years, with a mean age of 7.6 years; male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1.

Statistical Information

P-Value

< 0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-11-225

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