Clinical features of radiologically confirmed pneumonia due to adenovirus in children

Abstract

Background: Clinical features of radiologically confirmed pneumonia due to adenovirus in children have not been comprehensively evaluated.

Objective: To describe the detailed clinical features of radiologically confirmed adenovirus-associated pneumonia in children.

Study design: Of 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.

Results: The median age was 2.97 years, ranging from 25 days to 14 years. Seventy-three patients (96%) had fever, with a median duration of 7 days. 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 (<5 mg/L), while 48 patients (63%) had a CRP level >40 mg/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%).

Conclusion: Less 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.