Risk factors associated with mortality in children with severe pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia remains a global health problem; however, there are limited data available on the specific risk factors for pneumonia and pneumonia-related mortality in children. Aims and objectives were to analyze the risk factors and various demographic factors which are associated with mortality in children with severe pneumonia. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care PICU in central India on pediatric patients aged 2 months to 5 years admitted with severe pneumonia. Final outcome was measured in terms of discharge and death. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS program for windows, version 25. Results: The mortality rate in an upper-lower class of children was 51.9% and the association between mortality and SES was significant with a p<0.001. Also, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, delay in seeking medical care especially in >72 hours, delay in transport from the referral center, severe acute malnutrition among the children, and leucocytosis 61.5% were found to be significant predictors of mortality. The oxygen requirement association with mortality was significant (p=0.001), similar to the need for mechanical ventilation within 6 hours. Conclusions: Factors like delay in seeking medical care for >72 hours, contact with COVID patients, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, and delay in transport are the risk factors that are significantly associated with pneumonia-related mortality.