| Abstract [eng] |
Objectives. To determine the importance of changes in routine laboratory parameters and clinical signs in the diagnostic of pediatric influenza and development of complications. Methods. A prospective study was conducted to analyse the demographic, laboratory and clinical data of 120 children, who were presented with the signs of acute respiratory tract infection. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS v28.01. Results. The main symptoms of influenza and other acute respiratory tract infections were cough (69,2%), rhinitis (50,8%) and fever (98,3%), more frequent in influenza group (p<0,05). Children from 6 years old with influenza more often complained about vomiting, haemorrhagic rash, rhinitis, sore throat (p<0,05), while younger children suffered from diarrhoea, abdominal pain and maculopapular rash. Leukopenia in influenza positive and negative groups was observed at similar rate (18,8%, 22,5% respectively), while leucocytosis was more common in influenza negative group than influenza positive group (32,5%, 12,5%, p<0,05). Lymphopenia was more frequent in influenza positive group than influenza negative group (62,5%, 35%, p<0,05) and in influenza children aged 2-3 years (52,4%, p<0,05). C-reactive protein levels <21 mg/l were more frequent in children with influenza and >40 mg/l in influenza negative group (60%, 17,5%, p<0,05). Non-infectious complications were more frequent in children with influenza than in influenza negative group (42,5%, 22,5%, p<0,05). Secondary bacterial infection in influenza was more common in children who received antibiotics during the last three months (p<0,05). Conclusions. Fever is more frequent for influenza than other acute respiratory tract infections. Younger children are more likely to have less specific flu symptoms, while older children - typical signs of influenza. Lymphopenia and normal C-reactive protein levels are more frequent for children with influenza, leukocytosis and significant levels of C-reactive protein – other acute respiratory tract infections. Non-infectious complications are more common with influenza. Secondary bacterial infection in influenza is more frequent in children who received antibiotics during the last three months. |
