CLINICAL PROFILE OF ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 2MONTHS TO 5 YEARS

Journal Title: Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare - Year 2015, Vol 2, Issue 35

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children in developing countries. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the various risk factors, clinical profile and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 month to 5 years. OBJECTIVE: clinical features, laboratory assessment and morbidity and mortality pattern associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in children aged 2 months to 5 years. METHODS: 100 ALRI cases fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group of 2 month to 5 years were evaluated for clinical profile as per a predesigned proforma in a rural medical college. RESULTS: Of cases 61% were infants and remaining 39%12-60 months age group, males outnumbered females with sex ratio of 1.3;1. Elevated total leukocyte counts for age were observed in only 22% of cases, of these 3% were having pneumonia, 9% severe pneumonia and 10% very severe pneumonia. Significant association was found between leukocytosis and ALRI severity (p=0.0001) Positive blood culture was obtained in 8% of cases and was significantly associated with ALRI severity (p=.0.027). Among the ALRI cases, 84% required oxygen supplementation at any time during the hospital stay and 8% required mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was 1%; with 99% of cases recovering and getting discharged uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Among the clinical variables, the signs and symptoms of ALRI as per the WHO ARI Control Programme were found in almost all cases. Regarding the laboratory profile, leukocytosis and blood culture positivity were observed in a small percentage, but significant association with ALRI severity was observed for both. Thus, clinical signs, and not invasive blood tests are a better diagnostic tools, though the latter may provide additional therapeutic and prognostic information in severe disease.

Authors and Affiliations

Amitoj Singh Chhina, Chandrakala R. Iyer, Vinod Kumar Gornale, Nagendra Katwe, Sushma S. , Harsha P. J. , Chandan C. K.

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP231914
  • DOI 10.18410/jebmh/2015/754
  • Views 99
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Amitoj Singh Chhina, Chandrakala R. Iyer, Vinod Kumar Gornale, Nagendra Katwe, Sushma S. , Harsha P. J. , Chandan C. K. (2015). CLINICAL PROFILE OF ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 2MONTHS TO 5 YEARS. Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare, 2(35), 5426-5431. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-231914