[Clinical features of giardiasis in different age groups of pediatric in-patients].

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that the clinical features of giardiasis might vary in patients of different age groups.

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical presentation of giardiasis in children less than 5 years of age and older children.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients hospitalized with giardiasis during 2007 was performed. The clinical features of the two age groups were compared. Additionally, length of stay was analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 170 patients were included. In children ≥ 5 years of age, abdominal pain and urticaria were significantly more frequent (OR=9.46; 95%CI: 4.35-20.52,P5=0.000+ and OR=11.0; 95%CI: 1.205-101.11, P=0.023, respectively). Diarrhoea was more frequently found in children younger than 5 years (OR=6.45; IC 95%: 3. 12-13.37, P=0.000+). The frequencies of other symptoms were similar. Length of stay was significantly higher in children under 5 years of age.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentations differed in some aspects among the examined age group of our paediatric patients. Our finding might be of importance for an early recognition of giardiasis, which is essential for an accurate diagnosis and a prompt treatment.