A CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOMES OF CHILDHOOD PNEUMONIA: A HOSPITAL-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Childhood pneumonia, clinical profile, treatment outcomes, malnutrition, tertiary care hospital
Abstract
Introduction: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile and outcomes of childhood pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital setting.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly, from July to December 2015. Children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted with clinical or radiological diagnosis of pneumonia were included. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, and chest radiography. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Among 350 children studied, 68.6% were under 24 months with male predominance (56.0%). Malnutrition was prevalent in 52.0% of cases. Common presentations included fever (96.0%), cough (92.0%), and fast breathing (82.0%). WHO classification revealed severe or very severe pneumonia in 44.0% of patients. Laboratory findings showed elevated inflammatory markers in majority of cases, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the predominant bacterial pathogen (12.0% of positive cultures). Radiological examination demonstrated lower lobe involvement in 48.0% and complications in 22.0% of cases. The overall case fatality rate was 8.0%, with 82.0% showing good treatment response. Significant risk factors for poor outcomes included severe malnutrition (p<0.001), age less than 12 months (p=0.045), incomplete immunization (p=0.008), and severe hypoxemia (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Childhood pneumonia showed substantial burden of severe disease with notable mortality. Early identification of high-risk children, aggressive nutritional intervention, and strengthened immunization programs are essential for improving outcomes.
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Dr. Amar Singh
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh