Neonatal enterovirus infections: emphasis on risk factors of severe and fatal infections.

Objectives: Neonatal enterovirus infections have diverse manifestations, from asymptomatic to fatal. An understanding of the risk factors associated with severe cases might help to reduce enterovirus-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods: From July 1989 through June 1998, neonates with virus culture-confirmed nonpolio enterovirus infection at Chang Gung Children's Hospital were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups: nonspecific febrile illness; aseptic meningitis; and hepatic necrosis with coagulopathy (HNC).