The Burden of Human Parechoviruses Among Children in Oman

• DOI: 10.18295/squmj.5.2023.033
• Publication Date: 2023-05-10T08:45:39Z
• Authors: Aws Al-Farsi; Zaid Alhinai; Fatma Ba Alawi; Khuloud Al Maamari; Laila S Al Yazidi
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Medical record; Demographics

This study aimed to evaluate the burden, clinical and laboratory features outcomes of human parechoviruses (HPeVs) infection among children in Oman.This retrospective included (aged <18 years) with molecularly proven HPeV who were managed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2017 December 2019. Data obtained from patients' medical records analysed describe their demographics, features, management outcomes.HPeV was detected 61 patients, 44 (72%) whom males. The median age these patients nine months (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-15 months). throughout year without any significant peaks. Majority (n = 51, 84%) had co-infection other viruses. Forty-eight (79%) required hospitalisation, length hospital stay five days (IQR: 3-8 days). Ex-prematurity 10, 16%) commonest comorbidity this group. Fever 41, 67%) cough presenting symptoms children. Two-thirds HPeV-infected cohort for lower respiratory tract infection; none meningitis. Gastroenteritis not common cohort; only eight diarrhoea. All made a full recovery.HPeVs does show clear seasonality Oman. Most aged <2 years viral co-infection. favourable, no mortalities, but thorough follow-up neurological lacking.