Hypertransaminasemia Is a Marker of Severity in Children Hospitalized for Influenza.

PurposeElevated transaminases have been associated with increased severity in adult influenza cases, but data in the pediatric population are limited. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and prognostic value of elevated transaminases in children hospitalized for influenza.MethodsA multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted on 543 children hospitalized for acute viral respiratory infections. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, radiological features, and outcome were collected and analyzed, comparing children with influenza to those with other respiratory viruses. The association between elevated transaminases and clinical severity, complications, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was assessed.ResultsAmong 543 children, 127 (23.4%) had laboratory-confirmed influenza, with 24.4% showing elevated transaminases versus 7.2% in noninfluenza infections (p