Severe influenza virus infection in children admitted to the PICU: Comparison of influenza A and influenza B virus infection

Although the influenza virus usually causes a self-limiting disease, deaths are reported even in children without risk factors. We aimed to identify clinical features, mortality associated with severe Influenza A and B virus infections of children admitted PICU. We conducted a retrospective study in children with confirmed influenza infection between 2012-2019 who were admitted to PICU. Demographic features, risk factors, clinical data, microbiological data, complications and outcomes were collected. During 7 influenza seasons (2012-2011 to 2015-2016) 713 children diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed influenza related lower respiratory tract infection, and pediatric intensive care unit admission was needed in 6% (46/713) of the patients. Thirty-one patients (67.4%) were diagnosed with Influenza A and 15 patients were diagnosed with Influenza B. Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were similar in both Influenza types, lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher for Influenza A than for Influenza B infections. Although the Influenza A to B ratio among the patients admitted to the PICU was 2.06, the percentage of cases requiring PICU admission was nearly two times higher in Influenza B cases. There was no statistically significant difference in disease severity and complications in patients with Influenza A and Influenza B. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.