Chikungunya disease among infants in French West Indies during the 2014 outbreak

Abstract

Background: We aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory features of Chikungunya disease in infants aged from 1 month to 2years.

Methods: This epidemiologic study was carried out at the Pointe-à-Pitre University Hospital from May to September 2014. We collected data prospectively from infants hospitalized for Chikungunya disease.

Results: A total of 154 infants were included. Hyperthermia was greater than 38.5°C the first 48h and during on average 2.7 days. Pain (on mobilization and/or cutaneous hyperesthesia and/or arthralgia) was present in 82% of the cases. Loss of appetite was reported for 62% of the infants. Initial maculopapular erythematous eruption occurred in 69% of the cases. A vesiculobullous eruption was secondarily observed in 7% of the cases. Edema on the feet and/or hands was present in 48% of the cases. Febrile seizure was observed in 12% of the cases. Lymphopenia was the most frequent laboratory finding, present in 94% of the infants. No cases of thrombocytopenia were observed. The reported complications were: bullous epidermolysis, state of epilepticus, and severe acute hepatitis.

Conclusion: This study highlights a suggestive clinical presentation of Chikungunya diseases combining pain, fever, tachycardia, foot and/or hand edema. Lymphopenia, monocytosis, and the absence of thrombocytopenia were relevant biological signs.

Keywords: Arbovirus; Chikungunya; Fever; French West Indies; Infant; Pediatrics.