CLINICAL PROFILE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH RECURRENT PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Recurrent pneumonia remains a significant challenge worldwide, especially in children's health, particularly in developing countries. This is attributable to underlying health system, environmental, and immunological factors. Exploring the associated clinical and etiological factors is important vis-à-vis early diagnosis and preventative measures. This research, therefore, investigates the clinical profile and risk factors of pediatric patients with recurrent pneumonia.

Objectives: Evaluating the clinical description, understanding key demographic, environmental, and etiological factors relating to recurrent pneumonia in children brought to tertiary care facilities.

Place and duration of study: From January 2024 to June 2024 Paediatrics Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital / Bolan Medical College/ Hospital Quetta. Balochistan.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, I examined 157 pediatric patients at the Department of Paediatrics, Sandeman Provincial Hospital / Bolan Medical College/ Hospital, Quetta over 6 months following Approval of the CPSP synopsis for recurrent pneumonia. Demographic details, clinical manifestations, and potential risk factors were obtained from structured questionnaires and medical records. Medical charts were used to obtain laboratory and radiological findings and to perform analyses. For statistical analysis, I used SPSS version 24.0. To evaluate relationships, the Chi-square test and independent t-tests were used, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The average age of the 157 patients in the study was 4.7 years (± 2.3 years). There were more males (60.5%). Malnutrition (p = 0.012), exposure to passive smoking (p = 0.021), and a history of prematurity (p = 0.034) were documented as significant risk factors. Asthma (28%), congenital heart disease (18%), and immunodeficiency (10%) were the underlying conditions noted. Recurrence was significantly associated with lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.008). The lower right lobe was the most frequently affected (36%). Most patients improved with specific therapy, and the counselling given to controllers during follow-up helped reduce recurrences.

Conclusion: In children, recurrent pneumonia stems from multiple factors, mostly linked to modifiable risk factors like malnutrition, exposure to smoke, and substandard living conditions. The earlier root causes are identified, coupled with nutritional rehabilitation and enhanced preventive care, the more disease recurrence and preventable hospitalizations can be mitigated. Ongoing follow-up, along with health education for families, is essential to maintain children's respiratory health.