Analysis of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions for Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Turkey

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Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, course of disease, and outcomes of patients admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Methods Data of all patients with CCHF who were admitted to PICU during a 3-year period and whose diagnosis was confirmed by serological methods or polymerase chain reaction were retrospectively reviewed. Their presenting characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were extracted from the hospital's electronic database. Disease severity scoring was performed using the severity scoring index and severity grading score system. Results The data of 22 of 123 patients with suspected CCHF who were admitted to PICU were evaluated. Among them, 68.2% were males and mean age of all patients was 13.4 ± 2.2 years. The average length of stay of 10 patients was >10 days. On average, 3.72 units of platelet suspension per patient was transfused. In the course of the disease, the highest laboratory values were reached on day 3 of admission. Conclusion Poor CCHF outcome depends on thrombocytopenia severity, prolonged coagulation tests, high-liver enzyme levels, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Poor outcomes can be avoided by CCHF awareness and preparedness, early diagnosis of the disease, and supportive treatment with appropriate fluid and blood product transfusion. Randomized controlled trials on prophylactic transfusion and ribavirin use are needed.