Muhammad Fazil, Fazal-ur Rahman Khan.
Differences in laboratory manifestations of enteric fever in children on the basis of age.
Gomal J Med Sci Jan ;10(1):90-2.

Background: Very scanty literature is available on clinical and laboratory manifestations of enteric fever in children on the basis of age difference in Pakistan. A study was therefore conducted to evaluate the labora-tory manifestations of enteric fever on the basis of age. Methods: This study was conducted in Paediatric Department Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan, from1st April 2010 to 31 st March 2011. All patients pre-senting with fever having positive Widal test and/or positive culture for Salmonella were included. In total 36 consecutive patients were included and divided into two age groups, <5 years and >5years. The labora-tory results of the two groups were compared. Recovery period and any complication in the two groups was also observed. Results: Mean age of presentation was 5- (5.0±3.0) years. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Common laboratory features were Anemia (88%), elevated liver enzymes (85%), and elevated ESR (80%). Leucocytosis was more common in <5 years group while gallbladder sludge on USG was seen in 4 patients and all were >5 years (p=0.04). Complications were seen in 18.18% patients; of which 33.33% had serositis, 1 (16.67%) each had osteomylitis, synovitis, splenic abscess and shock. Majority (93.9%) recovered. 1 died and 1 was lost to follow up. Conclusion: Common Laboratory features of enteric fever include anemia, elevated liver enzymes and elevated ESR. Leukocytosis is mainly seen in <5 years old children while gall bladder sludge in children >5 years. Recovery time is longer in >5yrs group than <5 years age.

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