Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Real-time X-ray Imaging of Lung Fluid Volumes in Neonatal Mouse Lung
11:26

Real-time X-ray Imaging of Lung Fluid Volumes in Neonatal Mouse Lung

Published on: July 18, 2016

X-ray diagnosable pneumonia in children with severe malnutrition at Kenyatta National Hospital

E M Wafula1, D W Ngamau, F E Onyango

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi.

East African Medical Journal
|March 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pneumonia is very common in children with severe malnutrition, with high prevalence rates observed across different malnutrition types. Clinical signs are unreliable for diagnosing pneumonia in this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care
  • Infectious diseases
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Severe malnutrition in children is associated with increased susceptibility to infections, including pneumonia.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of pneumonia is crucial for effective management in severely malnourished children.
  • Existing clinical indicators for pneumonia may have reduced diagnostic utility in the context of severe malnutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of radiologically confirmed pneumonia in children with severe malnutrition.
  • To assess the effectiveness of common clinical signs in diagnosing pneumonia among severely malnourished children.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital involving children with severe malnutrition.
  • Chest X-rays were used to diagnose pneumonia, with findings interpreted by a radiologist.
  • The diagnostic performance of clinical parameters for pneumonia was evaluated in this cohort.

Main Results:

  • Radiological pneumonia was prevalent in 58% of children with kwashiorkor, 75% with marasmic kwashiorkor, and 82% with marasmus.
  • The study included 107 children (68 males, 39 females) with various forms of severe malnutrition.
  • Commonly used clinical indicators demonstrated poor performance in diagnosing pneumonia in this population.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumonia is highly prevalent in children suffering from severe malnutrition.
  • Clinical assessment alone is insufficient for diagnosing pneumonia in severely malnourished children.
  • Empirical treatment for pneumonia is recommended for severely malnourished children, even without clear clinical signs.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients07:25

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Published on: July 16, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...