Clinical presentation and management of enterovirus and parechovirus infection in children: A single-centre study in regional Australia

Objective

This study aims to analyse the clinical presentation caused by enterovirus (EV) and/or human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in children, as well as the management of such cases admitted to a regional hospital in Australia.

Methods

Retrospective study reviewing medical records.

Setting

Single hospital in regional Australia.

Participants

All children under 18 years admitted over the 5-year period beginning from 1 January 2017 with confirmed EV and/or HPeV infection. Cases with clinically insignificant EV/HPeV isolation were excluded.

Main Outcome Measures

Data collected included demographic data, signs and symptoms present, specimens of EV/HPeV isolation, co-occurring pathogens, peak C-reactive protein (CRP), antibiotic therapy, discharge diagnosis and follow-up after discharge.

Results

Overall, 27 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 81.5% of the patients were ≤3 months of age with a median of 2 months (interquartile range 1–3); 74.1% were males. The most common clinical features were a fever ≥38°C and irritability/lethargy/high-pitched cry. 29.6% of the patients had co-occurring pathogens detected, and a CRP ≤10 mg/L was observed in 77.8% of cases. All but two children were treated with antibiotics while awaiting polymerase chain reaction results. The most common discharge diagnosis was meningitis. In all, 74.1% of the children attended follow-up appointments.

Conclusions

EV and HPeV should be considered as a possible aetiology of fever and irritability/lethargy/high-pitched cry in children under 3 months.