Publication:

Adenoviral infection in children with multisystem involvement: a case series from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Adenovirus infection in children commonly causes mild respiratory illness; however, severe and multisystemic forms are increasingly recognized even among immunocompetent individuals. This hospital-based observational case series included four children with PCR-confirmed adenoviral infection who presented with diverse clinical manifestations encephalitis, myocarditis, hepatitis and severe pneumonia with multiorgan dysfunction. All the 4 cases belonged to age group of below 5 years and had no known co-morbidities or immunodeficiency. The patients had life threatening complications including encephalitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute kidney injury and multiorgan dysfunction. Detailed clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and treatment outcomes were documented. Despite intensive management, one child succumbed to respiratory failure with multiorgan dysfunction, while the other three recovered completely. Early detection, supportive intensive care, and vigilant monitoring for complications are essential for decreasing the mortality and morbidity.