Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza - Real threat or unjustifed panic? the experience of one pediatric hematology-oncology center

Abstract

Introduction: On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a pandemic infuenza caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. The aim of the current study was to analyze the clinical course of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza in children with neoplastic diseases or severe aplastic anemia. As a fnal point, an attempt to identify risk factors predictive for the severity of the clinical course of the disease was also undertaken. Material&Methods: Thirty-seven children undergoing antineoplastic treatment were enrolled in the study. The analysis comprised an assessment of the number of episodes of AH1N1 pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza in the group of patients and an evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms of the infection. We also analyzed the relation between the presence of lymphocytopenia and its duration prior to infection and until? eventual contraction of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, as well as severity of clinical course of the disease. Results: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza was diagnosed in 20 of 37 children. In the analyzed group no death related to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza was reported. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infuenza in immunoincompetent children are analogous to symptoms observed in the general population. A severe clinical course of the disease was observed among patients with hematological disorders, especially those presenting with preceding lymphocytopenia. © Versita Sp. z o.o.