Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the rapid influenza antigen test and the contribution of the test result to patient management in febrile infants aged 29‒90 days. The medical records of febrile infants without a focus who presented during influenza seasons from 2017‒2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Emergency, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Training and Research Hospital. The demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, and management of the patients were examined. The patients were divided into two groups as 'with' and 'without' testing based on whether a rapid influenza antigen test was performed or not. Test results were categorized as positive or negative. Serious bacterial infection (SBI) risk and patient management were evaluated according to test results. A total of 173 patients (110 males/63 females) were evaluated. The influenza test was performed in 94 (54.3%) patients, and 31.9% were positive. SBI was present in 8.7% of all patients. The mean values of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and, lumbar puncture, hospitalization, and initiation of antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the positive group compared to the negative and without testing groups (P<0.05). This study showed that using the influenza test in the emergency department in young febrile infants significantly reduced the use of antibiotics, hospitalization and the implementation of invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture, and the risk of SBI was not increased.
Highlights
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the rapid influenza antigen test and the contribution of the test result to patient management in febrile infants aged 29‒90 days
Fever is one of the most common causes of emergency department visits in infancy
pediatric assessment triangle (PAT) is used as a method of quickly determining the acuity of the child, and expresses the general impression of the patient admitted to the pediatric emergency department and provides guidance to determine the severity of the presentation
Summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the rapid influenza antigen test and the contribution of the test result to patient management in febrile infants aged 29‒90 days. Serious bacterial infection (SBI) risk and patient management were evaluated according to test results. The mean values of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and, lumbar puncture, hospitalization, and initiation of antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the positive group compared to the negative and without testing groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that using the influenza test in the emergency department in young febrile infants significantly reduced the use of antibiotics, hospitalization and the implementation of invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture, and the risk of SBI was not increased. Contribution of rapid influenza antigen test to management of febrile young infants without a focus.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
