Clinical and demographic properties of hand-foot and mouth disease

Abstract

AimHand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD), which is caused by agents of the enterovirus family, leads to skin and mucosa lesions as well as non-com-plicated systemic infection. In the present review, we aimed to determine clinical characteristics and seasonal distribution of the patients diagnosed with HFMD.MethodThe patients referred and diagnosed with HFMD through dermatological and physical examinations between April, 1, 2014 and May, 31, 2016 were reviewed in terms of demographic data, complaints and physical findings. The statistical analysis was performed by “SPSS for Windows 13”, descriptive analysis was performed, and mini-mum-maximum values and standard deviations were calculated. The Mann Whitney U test was used. Values of p<0.05 were accepted as statistically significant.ResultsNinety two patients who were referred to top pediatrics and dermatology departments were diagnosed with HFMD. The mean age of the patients was 5.08 years (10 months-16 years). Fifty seven patients were male (61.90%), and 35 patients were female (38.10%). The most com-mon symptoms at referral were rash (100%) and mild fever (72.82%). Rashes were found on the hands and feet (100% of patients), on the oral mucosa (92.39%), and in the gluteal region (56.52%). The disease appeared most commonly during summer and autumn.ConclusionHand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a viral disease that appears most often in children of 5 years of age and younger. Clinical findings are sufficient for the diagnosis and symp-tomatic treatment is adequate for the cases without severe involvement. The disease is common during the summer but recently, due to seasonal varia-tions, it has also become apparent during autumn, as well. It is important to inform the patients and their relatives about routes of transmission and the isolation methods required.

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