Profile of EBV- associated infectious mononucleosis

During a 5 year period, 33 children (22 males) were diagnosed to have infectious mononucleosis (M:F::2:1; age 9 mo-15 y). The common clinical features observed were fever (100%), lymphadenopathy (84%) hepatosplenomegaly (81%), tonsillar enlargement (45%), neck swelling (30%), upper respiratory symptoms (21%), epitrochlear node enlargement (20%), vomiting and diarrhea (1%). Ten children had complications; upper airway obstruction and hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis occurred in four each and septic shock in two. EBV associated infectious mononucleosis in hospitalized children was found to affect mainly preschool children and had a favorable prognosis.