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Pulmonary Findings Of H1N1 Infection In Children With Malign Disease
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Original Article
VOLUME: 50 ISSUE: 2
P: 124-129
2017

Pulmonary Findings Of H1N1 Infection In Children With Malign Disease

Acta Haematol Oncol Turc 2017;50(2):124-129
DOI: 10.5505/aot.2017.38257
Aysenur Bahadır
Erol Erduran
Osman Bahadır
1. Department Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Karadeniz Technical Univercity, Trabzon, Turkey
2. Department Otorhinolaryngology, Karadeniz Technical Univercity, Trabzon, Turkey
3.
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 2016-04-07T16:24:28
Accepted Date: 2017-08-28T12:45:10
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION

H1N1 influenza virus may be fatal due to immunosuppression in malignant diseases and chronic diseases. Patients frequently present with influenza-like symptoms, high fever, and diarrhea, and the clinical course may be aggressive, possibly ending in respiratory failure. The purpose of this study was to examine the radiological findings of patients who were diagnosed with cancer and had H1N1 infection.

METHODS

Ten cases with a positive H1N1 PCR among 94 patients who were followed-up with a diagnosis of cancer at the hematology and oncology clinic between January 2010 and January 2016 were included in the study. Cases were divided into two groups according to the absolute neutrophil count, having a neutrophil count ≥500 /µL and neutrophil count <500 µL. Chest x-ray and thoracic computed tomography of the patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eight of ten patients received active chemotherapy. Chest x-rays of all patients were initially within normal ranges. During follow-up, the most frequently encountered finding was involvement at the lower zones of the lungs. The most prominent lung finding was a wedge-shaped consolidation. A ground glass appearance and consolidation were seen frequently in the thoracic computed tomography. Four patients (three with severe neutropenia) died due to respiratory failure.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Early chest x-ray findings might frequently be normal in patients who have H1N1 influenza virus infection at the moment, although they have clinical signs. Radiological findings become more significant with the advancement of the clinical picture. Therefore, H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered when symptoms of influenza infection are encountered in patients who are receiving high dose chemotherapy or who have a malignant disease resistant to therapy, and treatment should be started immediately. The immediate initiation of treatment may be lifesaving in this group of patients.