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Original Article Analysis of Clinical Characteristics in Children with Severe Influenza A (H1N1) Abstract Objectives: To recognise the clinical features and therapeutic experiences of critical pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in children. Methods: During the two waves of pandemic H1N1 virus infection, 41 severely ill children infected with pandemic H1N1 virus were admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine. Results: The total mortality of two pandemic waves was 41.5% (17/41). A total of 92.7% of children had fever. A total of 27 children were intubated and supported with a mechanical ventilator. The factor of younger age was associated with higher mortality. The time on oxygen and respirator use was longer in deaths than survivals. The ratio of complications of septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and air leak syndrome was higher in deaths than survivals. Conclusions: Critical pandemic H1N1 virus infection in children less than 3 years old leads to high mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment is pivotal for successful treatment. Keyword : Children; H1N1 virus; Pandemic |