Novel influenza A H1N1 (NIA) infection in Argentinean Children – Experience at Hospital de Niños “Ricardo Gutiérrez”

Background: NIA pandemia (P) began in Argentina during respiratory virus season. Hospital Gutierrez (HG) set up special outfitted examination room trailler; 5000 suspected cases were attended in 2 mo. Health care for P included 2 different stages: May24-June12, 695 outpatients mainly school-age were attended [Containment Phase(CP)]. After 17 ds with a widespread disease: June12-July11, 110 children were admitted to HG due to respiratory failure [Mitigation Phase(MP)] Objective: to characterize clinical, lab and treatment of confirmed NIA patients (pts) Methods: IFA was used to rule out other RV; confirmation by RT-PCR Results: CP: 220/695(61.3%) cases were confirmed; 191students, 15 close contacts (CC), 8 international travelers, 3 teachers; 2 health-workers. The 191 confirmed student cases are reported: mean age: 9± 3(4-17) yr; 16(8%) had comorbidity(C). Most frequent symptoms: fever(F) 178(93%) and cough(Co)160(64%). Oseltamivir(Os) was prescribed to 150(78.5%); none of them was hospitalized. Duration of F and Co was lower in treated than untreated 2,1 vs 3.6 ds, and 4.2 vs 7 ds respectively(p 24 mo: 38/61(62.3%) than younger 46/49(93.9%)(p < 0.0003). Fifteen(13,6%) required ICU. Complications: 69/110(62.7%) pts; pneumonia 52/110(47.3%); pneumonitis 31/110(28.2%) [16/52(30.8%) had both X-Ray patterns]; encephalitis 1/110 (0.9%). Os treatment: 108(98.2%); AE 1/108(0.9%): unspecific exanthema. Mortality 6/110(5.5%); all of them had C; median age:87mo Conclusion: NIA was mild in school-age pts m A I l p o t ts e87