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[Children bronchiolitis: multicentric study in Tunis]
Rafla Tej Dellagi1, Raoudha Tagorti, Basma Massoudi
1Service Régional des Soins de Santé de Base de Tunis.
La Tunisie Medicale
|April 13, 2005
Summary
This study found that bronchiolitis affects 10% of young children in Tunis during winter. Promiscuity was a significant risk factor, with many cases requiring hospitalization and specific treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Child serious respiratory infections pose a significant public health challenge.
- Basic healthcare programs aim to combat these infections in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the winter frequency of bronchiolitis in children aged 1-36 months.
- To analyze the severity, clinical profile, treatment patterns, and environmental risk factors of bronchiolitis.
- To evaluate the role of basic healthcare services in managing pediatric respiratory infections.
Main Methods:
- A multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted in Tunis from January to March 1999.
- Involved a sample size of 1340 pediatric patients.
- Data collected on disease frequency, patient demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors, and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Bronchiolitis occurred in 10% of patients, with a median age of 9 months.
- Aggravating factors were present in 73% of cases, and secondary infections in 70%.
- Social promiscuity was the only statistically significant environmental risk factor. Hospitalization was required for 14.2% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Basic healthcare structures are effective for winter management of pediatric respiratory infections.
- Continuous training for healthcare professionals and adequate technical staff are crucial for optimal outcomes.
- Bronchodilators, corticoids, and antibiotics were frequently prescribed, highlighting the need for evidence-based treatment guidelines.