Clinical features of radiologically confirmed pneumonia due to adenovirus in children

Abstract

BackgroundClinical features of radiologically confirmed pneumonia due to adenovirus in children have not been comprehensively evaluated. ObjectiveTo describe the detailed clinical features of radiologically confirmed adenovirus-associated pneumonia in children. Study designOf 3298 children with a throat virus culture positive for adenovirus treated at a university-affiliated hospital, from January 2000 to June 2008, in northern Taiwan, 80 hospitalized children (2.4%) with radiologically confirmed pneumonia were identified. From four children with incomplete medical records, only demographics were included for analysis. ResultsThe median age was 2.97years, ranging from 25days to 14years. Seventy-three patients (96%) had fever, with a median duration of 7days. The three most common respiratory symptoms were cough (99%), rhinorrhea (82%) and dyspnea (42%). Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded in 80% of the patients, and neurologic symptoms in four children. Leukocytosis (WBC≥15,000/μL) was noted in 19 (25%) patients. Only six patients (8%) had a normal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) value (<5mg/L), while 48 patients (63%) had a CRP level >40mg/L. Seventeen (21%) children required intensive care. Seventy-three patients (96%) recovered uneventfully. Sequelae were seen in two patients and death in 1. Of the 69 isolates with serotyping determination, seven serotypes were identified, with a predominant serotype (type 3 for 73%). ConclusionLess than 5% of the children with adenoviral infection had radiologically confirmed patch pneumonia. The manifestation of pneumonia caused by adenovirus was similar to that of bacterial pneumonia.