Correlation Study of AIOS (Acute Illness Observation Scale) Score with Radiological Findings and Pulse Oximetry in Community-Acquired Pneumonia (Cap) Among Children Aged 2 To 59 Months

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the primary causes of mortality in infants and young children. Acute Illness Observation Score (AIOS) - act as the best and accurate indicator for the same. Hence in this study, AIOS was used to relate X-ray abnormalities and pulse oximeter finding for early assessment in children with ARI. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive epidemiological study conducted for a period of 24 months. Children aged from 2 months to 59 months who had symptoms and signs suggestive of pneumonia were involved in the study. Pulse oximetry reading on admission was noted. AIOS scoring is done on each subject. Chest X-ray was taken and interpreted. Results: The majority of patients fall in the age group of 2- 12 months (57.2%). CXR showed abnormal radiological changes in 54.0%, among them endpoint consolidation, was seen in 40.20% and infiltrates seen in 59.7%. 67 patients had spo2 > 92% at admission, among them 44 (65.67 %) had normal & 23 (34.32 %) had abnormal chest X-ray. 57.3 % (43/75) children with AIOS of 10 had normal x-ray & 42.66% (32/75) had abnormal x-ray. AIOS with Spo2 reading showed a good correlation (p<0.05) indicating that high AIOS scores are associated with low SpO2 scores. Conclusion: This study shows that with the help of AIOS scoring, fair association with an initial pulse oximeter reading and X-ray abnormalities can be done which can be utilized as an early combining tool for risk assessment and management.