Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Response of Scrub Typhus in Children: A Recent Trend from Eastern India

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinico-laboratory parameters, complications and therapeutic responses in children with scrub typhus in Eastern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, all children (age, <12 years) with suspected scrub typhus with a compatible clinical scenario were enrolled consecutively over six months. Cases confirmed by means of a positive IgM serology or a positive Weil-Felix reaction (OXK = 1/80 or above) were administered enteral doxycycline (4.5 mg/kg/day). RESULTS: Out of 94 recruited children, 61 had confirmed scrub typhus (mean age = 6.1 years, M:F = 1.1:1) with or without complications and having a considerably higher incidence of neurological presentation (meningoencephalistis n = 21, 34.4%). The most frequent manifestations included vomiting (n = 39, 63.9%), abdominal pain (n = 33, 54.1%), lymphadenopathy (n = 36, 59%), hepatosplenomegaly (n = 32, 52.5%), pedal edema (n = 32, 52.5%) and eschar formation (n = 30, 49.2%). Low hemoglobin levels, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, increased liver enzymes and increased C-reactive protein were associated with delayed defervescence (>48 h). CONCLUSION: Scrub meningoencephalitis, with a notably higher incidence, showed favorable therapeutic response. Prompt and empiric doxycycline therapy could be lifesaving.