Abstract
Recurrent pneumonia usually occurs due to an underlying disorder that negatively affects local or systemic defence mechanisms. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence and risk factors associated with recurrent pneumonia in children and to determine possible strategic plan needed for better clinical outcome. Children between 2 months to 15 years old who had a history of 2 or more episodes of pneumonia per year, or 3 or more episodes in a life time were investigated prospectively at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. Out of 653 children admitted for pneumonia, 74 (11.3 %%) met the criteria for recurrent pneumonia. Among 74 children with recurrent pneumonia, underlying risk factors was demonstrated in 65 patients (87.8%). Most common underlying diseases were aspiration syndrome in 21.6% patients, congenital heart disease in 13.5% patients and bronchial asthma in 12.1% children. No predisposing illness could be demonstrated in 12.1% patients. Approximately 1 in 9 children with pneumonia in our hospital had recurrent pneumonia. Aspiration syndrome was the most common underlying illnesses for undiagnosed recurrent pneumonia in children.
Highlights
Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma that develops due to both infectious and non-infectious causes
Pneumonia is a major problem in children; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that pneumonia occurred in approximately 156 million children (151 million in developing countries and 5 million in developed countries).[1]
The etiology of Recurrent pneumonia (RP) varies depending upon the location of pneumonia, which can involve a single or various lobes or lung regions
Summary
Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma that develops due to both infectious and non-infectious causes. Paediatricians should investigate this possible underlying causes.[5] There are limited data on the underlying diseases predisposing to recurrent pneumonia in children. Few studies have addressed this problem in the developing world.[6,7,8] The potential burden of RP on the health care system, in terms of frequent hospitalizations, is significant. Recognition and management of the underlying cause is expected to reduce the number of pneumonia related hospital admissions, morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with recurrent pneumonia in Nepalese children in a tertiary care centre. We can make strategic plan to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to recurrent pneumonia
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