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Rotavirus
gastroenteritis (RGE) is unpredictable in its course and severity and
can lead to rapid deterioration.
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The most severe cases occur among infants
and young children between 6 months and 24 months of age.1
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Among children younger than 5 years
of age in the United States, over 72% of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations
from 1993 to 1995 occurred before 2 years of age, and close to 90% before
3 years of age.1
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Clinical Characteristics
of Children Hospitalized With Acute Gastroenteritis |
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(n=72) |
(n=78) |
| Diarrhea |
100% |
100% |
| Fever |
77% |
61% |
| Vomiting |
96% |
58% |
| Dehydration* |
83% |
40% |
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Adapted from Rodriguez,
1977.2 |
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| The severity of rotavirus
infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis.3 |
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There are no reliable predictors to
determine whether any given child is at risk for severe disease and even
healthy infants can have serious complications.3
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Deterioration can be rapid, particularly
when profuse vomiting and diarrhea interfere with oral rehydration therapy.3
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Especially when accompanied by vomiting,
the diarrhea caused by rotavirus can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening
dehydration.3
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Peak seasonality of rotavirus infection
generally occurs at the same time as other common childhood infections,
such as respiratory syncytial virus and influenza.4,5
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In winter months, rotavirus gastroenteritis
and bronchiolitis are two important causes of hospitalization and nosocomial
infections in pediatric wards.3
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Rotavirus in young children and babies
is often difficult and worrisome for parents because of frequent diarrhea,
vomiting, and dehydration their child may experience.6,7
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A single case of rotavirus can cause
considerable disruption for the family that includes missed work, additional
childcare costs, and trips to the physician.7,8
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Estimated annual rotavirus
disease burden among children under 5 years of age, United States--Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).9
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A leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children10
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Infects >95% of infants and children by age 510
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Responsible for an estimated $1 billion in direct and indirect medical costs
each year8
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| 1. |
Parashar UD, Holman RC, Clarke MJ, Bresee JS, Glass RI. Hospitalizations associated with rotavirus diarrhea in the United States, 1993-1995: Surveillance based on the new ICD-9-CM rotavirus-specific diagnostic code. J Infect Dis. 1998;177:13–17.
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| 2. |
Rodriguez WJ, Kim HW, Arrobio JO, et al. Clinical features of acute gastroenteritis associated with human reovirus-like agent in infants and young children. J Pediatr. 1977;91:188–193.
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| 3. |
Raebel MA, Ou BS. Rotavirus disease and its prevention in infants and children. Pharmacotherapy. 1999;19:1279–1295.
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| 4. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Respiratory syncytial virus activity—United States, 2003–2004. MMWR. 2004;53(RR-49):1159–1160.
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| 5. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly report: Influenza summary update 20, 2004–2005 season. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weeklyarchives2004–2005/04-05summary.htm Accessed April 13, 2006.
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| 6. |
Cornell SL. Confronting the consequences of rotavirus: Diarrhea and dehydration. Adv Nurse Pract. 1999;5:41–44.
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| 7. |
Avendaño P, Matson DO, Long J, Whitney S, Matson CC, Pickering LK. Costs associated with office visits for diarrhea in infants and toddlers. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1993;12:897–902.
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| 8. |
Tucker AW, Haddix AC, Bresee JS, et al. JAMA. 1998;279:1371–1376.
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| 9. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants and children: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 2006;55(RR-12):1–13.
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| 10. |
Parashar UD, Hummelman, EG, Bresee JS, Miller MA, Glass RI. Global illness and deaths caused by rotavirus disease in children. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003; 9:565–572. |
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This site is intended only for healthcare professionals of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
RotaTeq is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
20750348(2)-06/07-RTQ |
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