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Persistent or recurrent pneumonia in Saudi children seen at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh: clinical profile
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Recurrent pneumonia in children often stems from underlying immune or inherited metabolic disorders, alongside anatomical issues. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing this challenging pediatric condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Persistent or recurrent pneumonia in children presents a significant clinical challenge, associated with high morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying underlying causes is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical profile and predisposing factors of recurrent pneumonia in Saudi children.
- To understand the etiological landscape of unexplained pneumonia in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 18 Saudi children diagnosed with persistent or recurrent pneumonia.
- Data collection included patient demographics, clinical history, and diagnostic findings.
Main Results:
- The study included 18 children (12 boys, 6 girls) aged 3 months to 12 years.
- Immune and inherited metabolic disorders were identified in 44.4% of cases.
- Anatomical abnormalities were present in 22.2%, measles in two, and congenital infections (pulmonary candidiasis, laryngeal papilloma) in two.
- Notably, cystic fibrosis was not diagnosed in any of the studied children.
Conclusions:
- Immune, inherited metabolic, and anatomical factors are significant contributors to recurrent pneumonia in Saudi children.
- The etiological pattern shares similarities with developed countries, but with the absence of cystic fibrosis in this cohort.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific factors contributing to pediatric pneumonia in the region.
Abstract:
Children with persistent or recurrent pneumonia without an apparent cause constitute an important clinical category with much morbidity and mortality and can be perplexing and frustrating to the treating physician and the parents. To identify the clinical profile and predisposing factors in this group of patients, 18 Saudi children were studied. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 12 years (mean age 5.7 years) with male preponderance--12 boys and 6 girls (M:F ratio 2:1). About 44.4% had immune and inherited metabolic disorders. Anatomical abnormalities were found in four (22.2%). Two had measles as a predisposing factor. None had tuberculosis or pertussis. One child each had pulmonary candidiasis and laryngeal papilloma, probably contracted from their mothers as congenital infections. Though the pattern seems to follow that found in developed countries, it is noteworthy that cystic fibrosis was not identified in any of our patients.