Effects of Rapid Influenza Antigen Test on Antimicrobial Management of Pediatric Patients with Influenza-Like Illness in the Emergency Room
https://doi.org/10.56964/pidspj20212202010
- Author:
Dianne Alexis C. Millado-Riambon
1
;
Elizabeth E. Gallardo
1
;
Aaron G. Tulay
1
Author Information
1. Saint Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart, Baguio City
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Influenza-like illness;
Rapid influenza antigen test
- MeSH:
Influenza, Human
- From:
Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Journal
2021;22(2):73-82
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Influenza is a commonly encountered respiratory tract infection and diagnosis remains to be a challenge. Use of a rapid antigen test may influence decisions on treatment in the emergency room (ER).
Objectives:This research aims to determine the effects of rapid influenza antigen test (RIAT) on antimicrobial management of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the ER, determine the clinical profile of pediatric patients with ILI and look into the relationship between RIAT result, symptomatology, and immunization status.
Methods:This is a cross-sectional study which involved review of charts of 195 pediatric patients with ILI who underwent RIAT (KlintecTM) through a nasopharyngeal swab in the ER of a tertiary hospital from September 2019 to February 2020. Chi-square, Fischer exact test and likelihood ratio were used for data analysis.
Results:Most pediatric patients were 7–12 years old males. Majority presented with fever, cough, and colds and underwent RIAT at 2–4 days from onset of illness. About 73.33% of study participants did not receive their yearly influenza vaccine and 70.7% of patients with positive RIAT had no influenza vaccine. There is a lower percentage of vaccinated children who developed cough (86.5% vs. 89.5%) and colds (80.8% vs. 83.2%) when compared with unvaccinated children. RIAT result significantly affected management in terms of antimicrobial prescribing to patients with ILI.
Conclusion: Influenza presents with non-specific symptoms and vaccination remains a major preventive measure against the disease. The result of RIAT facilitates targeted treatment for influenza and decreases unnecessary antibacterial use, but this should be done with careful thought and interpretation.
- Full text:010_vol-22-no-2_MILLADO-RIAMBON_RIAT.pdf
