Chikungunya fever in hospitalized children and adolescents: clinical and epidemiological aspects in a region of northeastern Brazil.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical spectrum of pediatric and adolescent patients infected with Chikungunya.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients aged 0 to 17 years hospitalized with a Chikungunya Fever diagnosis in Ceará, in 2017. Data were collected on the clinical manifestations associated with the condition; significant differences were considered when p < 0.05.

Results: Fever (100%), erythrodermic rash (90.48%), and arthralgia (52.38%) were the most frequent symptoms. Arthralgia was more prevalent in children older than over five years (86.36%), and irritability and the bullous rash were predominant in children younger than five years (p < 0.05). The most predominant non-specific manifestations were: myalgia (28.57%), oral lesions (28.57%), and abdominal pain (26.19%). Neurological complications were observed in 14.29% of the patients, bacterial complications in 11.90%, Kawasaki disease in 4.76%, and one death (2.38% of the population).

Conclusion: Chikungunya fever is a disease that can manifest differently according to age group. The diagnosis must be made early to mitigate possible injuries and complications.