Title : The burden of human parechoviruses on children in oman
Abstract:
Objectives To study the burden, clinical and laboratory features and outcome of Human Parechoviruses (HPeVs) infection among children managed at a tertiary hospital in Oman.
Methods: This is a retrospective study of children (< 18 years of age) with molecular proven HPeV infection managed at our centre between January 2017 and December 2019. Data was collected from patients’ medical records and analyzed to describe the demographic, clinical and laboratory features, management and outcome.
Results: HPeV infection was detected in 61 patients, 72% of whom were males. The median age of these patients was 9 months (IQR, 6-15 months). HPeV was detected throughout the year with no significant peaks. Forty-eight (79%) patients were hospitalized and their median hospital length of stay was 5 days (IQR, 3-8 days). A history of premature birth (16%) was the most common comorbidity seen among this group. The majority of our patients (84%) had co-infection with other viruses. Fever (41 patients; 67%) and cough (41 patients; 67%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Two-thirds of children with HPeV infection in this cohort were managed for lower respiratory tract infection and none for meningitis. Diarrheal illness was not common (8 patients, 13%). All patients had full recovery.
Conclusion: HPeVs does not show a clear seasonality in Oman. Most of the children were younger than 2 years of age and had a viral co-infection. Outcomes of HPeVs were favorable, with no mortalities, but thorough follow-up of neurological outcomes was lacking.
Audience take away:
- This is the first study of HPeVs infection among children in Oman.
- This study focused on assessing the burden of HPeVs infection among children in Oman and describe their clinical and laboratory features.
- This study’s findings will help pediatricians understand the complete clinical picture and outcomes of this virus in Oman and the region.
