Clinical spectrum of typhoid fever in children

Abstract

One of the most important health problem in Pakistan and other developing countries is Enteric Fever. As the definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever requires certain laboratory Tests, emphasis must be given to clinical diagnosis of typhoid fever especially in communities where laboratory services are not available, so that a rapid diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment started on clinical grounds without waiting for laboratory investigations. A descriptive study was carried out on 80 patients admitted in Paeds ward Jinnah Hospital Lahore from June 2003 to June 2004 with strong suspicion of typhoid fever. These patients were either blood culture or widal test positive. Out of 80 admitted patients, 29 were female and 51 were male. Maximum incidence was seen in children between 5-15 years of age. Fever was the most consistent feature in all patients which was mostly high grade and remittent. The important physical findings were coated tongue and hepatosplenomegaly.