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Published on: February 23, 2014
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children in Oslo, Norway
Anita C Senstad1, Pål Surén, Lin Brauteset
1Department of Paediatrics, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. asenstad@gmail.com
Insights
Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is common but generally mild, with penicillin proving effective for treatment. This study examined CAP epidemiology and clinical features in children before the pneumococcal vaccine
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant pediatric illness.
- Understanding CAP epidemiology is crucial for public health strategies.
- The 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine impacts CAP incidence and characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric CAP.
- To establish baseline data before widespread pneumococcal vaccination.
- To assess treatment efficacy in Norwegian children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalization rates from medical journals (May 2003-May 2005).
- Prospective study of children under 16 with pneumonia at Ullevål University Hospital.
- Data collection on hospitalization rates, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall hospitalization rate for pediatric pneumonia was 14.7/10,000.
- Higher rates observed in younger children: 32.8/10,000 (under 5) and 42.1/10,000 (under 2).
- Few complications noted; penicillin demonstrated effectiveness in treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CAP in Oslo is a common yet benign condition.
- Penicillin is an effective treatment for pneumonia in Norwegian children.
- This data provides a pre-vaccine baseline for future comparisons.
Aim:
To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children before the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine in the national vaccination programme.
Methods:
For the period 21 May 2003 to 20 May 2005 hospitalization rates for pneumonia in children were obtained from retrospective studies of medical journals. Pneumonia was also studied prospectively in children less than sixteen years old referred to Ullevål University Hospital (Oslo) in the same time period.
Results:
The overall observed hospitalization rate of pneumonia was 14.7/10 000 (95% CI: 12.2-17.1), for children under five it was 32.8/10 000 (95% CI: 26.8-38.8), and for children under two 42.1/10 000 (95% CI: 32.0-52.3). In the clinical study 123 children, of whom 59% (73) were boys, met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Only 2.4% (3) had pneumonia complicated with pleural effusion and in general few complications were observed. No patients required assisted ventilation, and none were transferred to the intensive care unit. Penicillin was effective as treatment for pneumonia.
Conclusion:
Pneumonia, seen in a paediatric department in Oslo, is a common but benign disease. Penicillin is effective as treatment for pneumonia in Norwegian children.
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