Influenza-associated paediatric respiratory hospitalizations in China, 1996–2012: a systematic analysis
10.5365/wpsar.2018.9.1.004
- Author:
Mei Shang
1
;
Kathryn Lafond
2
;
Jeffrey McFarland
1
;
Suizan Zhou
1
;
John Klena
1
;
Marc-Alain Widdowson
3
Author Information
1. China-US Collaborative Program on Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
2. National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2018;9(5):35-43
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:The World Health Organization recommends that children aged ≥6 months be vaccinated against influenza. Influenza vaccination policies depend on the evidence of the burden of influenza, yet few national data on influenza-associated severe outcomes among children exist in China.
Methods:We conducted a systematic review of articles published from 1996 to 2012 on laboratory-confirmed, influenza-associated paediatric respiratory hospitalizations in China. We extracted data and stratified the percentage of samples testing positive for influenza by age group (<2, <5 and <18 years old); case definition; test methods; and geographic location. The pooled percentage of samples testing positive for influenza was estimated with a random effects regression model.
Results:Influenza was associated with 8.8% of respiratory hospitalizations among children aged <18 years, ranging from 7.0% (95% confidence interval: 4.2–9.8%) in children aged <2 years to 8.9% (95% confidence interval: 6.8–11%) in children aged <5 years. The percentage of samples testing positive for influenza was consistently higher among studies with data from children aged <5 years and <18 years than those restricted only to children aged <2 years; the percentages were higher in Northern China than Southern China.
Discussion:Influenza is an important cause of paediatric respiratory hospitalizations in China. Influenza vaccination of school-aged children could prevent substantial influenza-associated illness, including hospitalizations, in China.
- Full text:wpsar.2018.9.1.004_08.pdf
