Rapid detection and clinical spectrum of the novel influenza H1N1 strain in a diabetic pediatric population

Objectives H1N1 infection in diabetic patients is of special concern and serious interest since the virus can place individuals, especially children, at great possible risk of subsequently developing type 1 diabetes. This work aims to describe the demographic characteristics, clinical features, and severity of illness of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), compare the incidence of pandemic H1N1 virus in children with that of the general pediatric population with influenza-like symptoms, and identify the complications of H1N1 virus infection associated with glycemic control. Methods The present study included 45 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, who were subject to clinical and laboratory investigations. Another 30 healthy adolescents and children with a mean age of 10.43 +/- 4.38 years were included as a control group. H1N1 reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-Q PCR) was tested for H1N1 virus detection. Results Diabetic patients positive for (H1N1) showed significantly higher random blood sugar (RBS) levels than diabetic patients negative for (H1N1). Moreover, the H1N1-positive patients had significantly higher hemoglobin (Hb) g/dL, platelet counts, total leukocyte counts (TLCs), and CRP levels. Newly diagnosed patients who were tested positive for (H1N1) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) had significantly higher RBS levels and TLCs than patients who were presented with hyperglycemia. Conclusion RT-PCR is a rapid and specific method for influenza A (H1N1) virus diagnosis. In addition, early administration of oseltamivir no later than 48 hours after the infection is highly recommended in either diabetic or DKA patients suspected of having H1N1.