Outcome predictors of community-acquired pneumonia in children

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infections of infants and children in developing and developed countries, given the clinical, social, and economic importance of CAP for this specific age group. Aim To highlight the most important factors affecting the outcome of CAP either clinical, laboratory, or radiological. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study included 120 patients, aged 2–59 months admitted with CAP in the Pediatric Department, Children’s Hospital, Cairo University from November 2016 till February 2017. History, demographic, clinical, laboratory [complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), urea, creatinine, sodium, random blood sugar, sputum and blood culture], and radiological data were assessed. Results A statistically significant relationship was detected between each of the history of exclusive breastfeeding, patient’s age, and weight as well as lower pO2 on admission and between the need for ICU admission. Also, significant correlation was noted between patients’ height, temperature, respiratory rate, hemoglobin, total leukocyte count and CRP, blood culture and chest radiographic finding, and between the duration of hospital admission. Conclusion Weight, height, temperature, respiratory rate, conscious level, initial O2 saturation, capillary filling time, and presence of crepitation were closely related to the CAP outcome as well as, some laboratory findings such as hemoglobin level, total leukocyte count, CRP, blood culture, arterial blood gas parameters, and the chest radiographic finding.