Clinical characteristics of brucellosis in 40 children

JI Shan; MOU Danlei; LI Tongzeng; ZHANG Jiaying; ZHANG Longyu; SUN Ruiyun; GAO Lijuan; LIANG Lianchun

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-8134.2024.01.009

Abstract：Objective Exploring the clinical characteristics of brucellosis inchildrentoimprove the diagnosis and treatment level of clinical physicians. Methods A total of 40 patients aged≤14 years with brucellosis admitted to the Department of Infection, Beijing You' an Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2012 to 2022, including epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory examination and drug therapy, were selected and analyzed. Results Among the 40 patients, there were more females ( 22 cases, 55％ ) than males ( 18 cases, 45％ ). The minimum age was 5 months and the maximum age was 14 years. The median age was 4 years and 2 months. The main manifestations were fever ( 36 cases, 90.0％ ), hyperhidrosis ( 25 cases, 62.5％ ), leg pain ( 19 cases, 47.5％ ) and fatigue ( 18 cases, 45％ ). The white blood cell count of 32 cases ( 80.0％ ) was ( 4～10 )×109/L. Lymphocyte count increased in 36 cases ( 90.0％ ). The main organ injury involved abnormal liver function. All cases were treated with at least 2 antimicrobials, including rifampicin, co-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline ( for children≥8 years old or older ). In cases with complications, co-sulfamethoxazole or the third-generation cephalosporin were combined in basic treatment. Conclusions The clinical characteristics of children's brucellosis are mostly atypical. Epidemiological history and fever are the main clues. With the development of tourism and breeding industry, the incidence rate of this disease in non epidemic areas has gradually increased; Clinicals must carefully inquire about the condition and whether they have come into contact with lambs, dairy products, or pastoral areas, while also paying attention to the incidence of foodborne infections.