CLINICAL PROFILE OF TYPHOID FEVER IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Unusual presentations lead to diagnostic dilemma and may delay the diagnosis of typhoid fever. The present study describes the clinical presentation of enteric fever at a tertiary care centre.

Methods: The study was a hospital based prospective observational study. The parents of the children were informed about the research and its objectives, and written informed consent was obtained from them. Children of age 2 -18 years who presented with fever of 5 days or more with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of typhoid fever and positive Widal test or Typhidot tests were included in the study. The demographic and clinical features of the patients were described.

Results: All the children presented with fever as the main complaint (100%). Loss of appetite and headache were the next common complaints reported by 61.00% cases. Commonest sign noticed was toxic look (83%) followed by coated tongue (76%) and splenomegaly (61%). Hepatomegaly was also noted in 34% of cases.

Conclusion: This study was undertaken to observe the clinical profile of typhoid fever in children admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Typhoid fever remains to be as an endemic disease in this locality. All the signs and symptoms of the disease are nonspecific common with other acute febrile illnesses; a definitive diagnosis of the disease is required for treatment and to prevent transmission.

Keywords: Enteric fever, Splenomegaly, Toxic look