Hemoperitoneum in pediatric patients with Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever

Abstract

Objective. To identify specific features of the clinical course of Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in children in order to optimize early and differential diagnosis, management tactics and treatment of pediatric patients Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 159 probable and confirmed cases of Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever was carried out in patients admitted to the infectious diseases departments of Shymkent, district hospitals of Turkestan region for the period 2013–2022, of which 39 (24.5%) were children aged 1 to 18 years. Results. Of the 39 cases of CCHF in children, 9 (23.07%) were reported as confirmed, 5 (12.8%) as probable and 25 (64.1%) as suspected cases. In the epidemiological history, tick bite was noted in 25 (64.1%) cases. The incubation period in children and adolescents ranged from 1 to 14 days, on average – 9–8 days. Two children developed a severe complication of CCHF – hemoperitoneum. Conclusions. The probability of CCHF infection in children increases during the season of tick vector activity. The clinical picture of CCHF in children may be similar to manifestations of this infection in adults. Among the rare severe forms of CCHF, children may develop hemoperitoneum.