2615. Increased Severity of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Among Native American Compared with Non-Native American Children

Abstract

BackgroundLower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is the leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations in the United States, with significant morbidity and mortality. Native American children are at increased risk for severe illness during LRTI. Yet, the reasons for this increased risk are poorly understood. Socio-economic status and/or a genetic predisposition have been postulated as possible causes. In addition, the spectrum of LRTI presentations has not been adequately described in this patient population. The objective of this study was to define the clinical presentations of LRTI and highlight the differences between Native American and non-native American previously healthy patients under the age of 24 months.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review during the 2017–2018 respiratory season. We reviewed 357 medical records, and included 192 patients in the analysis that were full term, previously healthy, and met our inclusion criteria. We recorded demographic information, clinical and laboratory data, and outcomes.ResultsOf 192 patients, 39 were Native American and 153 were non-native American. We found no differences in gestational age, gender or age (median age was 5 and 7 months, respectively) between groups. We found no difference in rates of vaccination, upper respiratory symptoms, cough, wheezing, crackles, increased work of breathing or peripheral white blood cell count at presentation. In addition, we found no differences in antibacterial use or length of antimicrobial therapy during hospitalization. Native American children had a statistically significant higher length of hospitalization (P = 0.01) as well as days of oxygen supplementation (mean 4.9 vs. 3 days; P = 0.006) compared with non-native Americans. Furthermore, Native American children had a significantly higher percentage of PICU admissions (28% vs. 10.4%; P = 0.008) as well as intubation rate (26% vs. 8%; P = 0.04) compared with non-native Americans.ConclusionNative American children had increased length of hospitalization associated with severe illness including longer oxygen supplementation, higher PICU admission rate and need for mechanical ventilatory support.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.