DIFFERENCES IN LABORATORY MANIFESTATIONS OF ENTERIC FEVER IN CHILDREN ON THE BASIS OF AGE

Background: very scanty literature is available on clinical and laboratory manifestations of enteric fever in children on the basis of age difference in pakistan. a study was therefore conducted to evaluate the laboratory manifestations of enteric fever on the basis of age. methods: this study was conducted in paediatric department bacha khan medical college mardan, from1st april 2010 to 31st march 2011. all patients presenting with fever having positive widal test and/or positive culture for salmonella were included. in total 36 consecutive patients were included and divided into two age groups, <5 years and >5years. the laboratory results of the two groups were compared. recovery period and any complication in the two groups was also observed. results: mean age of presentation was 5- (5.0±3.0) years. male to female ratio was 2:1. common laboratory features were anemia (88%), elevated liver enzymes (85%), and elevated esr (80%). leucocytosis was more common in <5 years group while gallbladder sludge on usg was seen in 4 patients and all were >5 years (p=0.04). complications were seen in 18.18% patients; of which 33.33% had serositis, 1 (16.67%) each had osteomylitis, synovitis, splenic abscess and shock. majority (93.9%) recovered. 1 died and 1 was lost to follow up. conclusion: common laboratory features of enteric fever include anemia, elevated liver enzymes and elevated esr. leukocytosis is mainly seen in <5 years old children while gall bladder sludge in children >5 years. recovery time is longer in >5yrs group than <5 years age