Study of children with recurrent pneumonia admitted in a tertiary hospital

  • P Rijal Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu,
  • L Lama Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu,
  • S Shrestha Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu,
  • P Kakshapati Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu,
  • R Nayak Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu,

Abstract

Recurrent pneumonia usually occurs due to an underlying disorder that negatively affects local orsystemic 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 forbetter clinical outcome. Children between 2 months to 15 years old who had a history of 2 or moreepisodes of pneumonia per year, or 3 or more episodes in a life time were investigated prospectively atNepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. Out of 653 children admitted for pneumonia, 74 (11.3 %%) metthe criteria for recurrent pneumonia. Among 74 children with recurrent pneumonia, underlying riskfactors was demonstrated in 65 patients (87.8%). Most common underlying diseases were aspirationsyndrome in 21.6% patients, congenital heart disease in 13.5% patients and bronchial asthma in12.1% children. No predisposing illness could be demonstrated in 12.1% patients. Approximately 1 in9 children with pneumonia in our hospital had recurrent pneumonia. Aspiration syndrome was themost common underlying illnesses for undiagnosed recurrent pneumonia in children.

Keywords : Aspiration syndrome,bronchiectasis, immunedeficiency disorders, recurrentpneumonia

Published
2019-06-04
Section
Original Articles