The aim of this prospective cohort study was to estimate the burden of severe disease caused by rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis in Swedish children aged 38.5°C upon admission. Complications occurred in > 10% of the children, with hypertonic dehydration (32/604) and seizures (10/604) occurring most frequently.
Rotaviruses may cause severe febrile acute gastroenteritis leading to dehydration requiring acute rehydration in hospital. In addition, further complications occurred in > 10% of hospitalized children.