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The diagnostic value of various features for acute lower respiratory infection among under fives
Insights
Pneumonia is common in young children with cough. Key signs like rapid breathing and chest indrawing can help diagnose pediatric pneumonia in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cough is a common symptom in children presenting to healthcare facilities.
- Pneumonia remains a significant cause of childhood illness and mortality globally.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of pneumonia in children is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of radiological pneumonia in children presenting with cough.
- To identify clinical indicators that are valuable in diagnosing pneumonia in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted on 150 children aged 5 months to 5 years with cough symptoms.
- Participants underwent a complete history, physical examination, and chest X-ray.
- Data were collected at Kenyatta National Hospital between July and December 1985.
Main Results:
- Sixty percent (90 out of 150) of the children showed radiological evidence of pneumonia.
- Elevated respiratory rate (>50 breaths/min) was a significant indicator.
- Clinical signs such as chest indrawing and flaring of alae nasi were also valuable indicators.
Conclusions:
- Radiological pneumonia is prevalent in young children presenting with cough.
- Specific clinical signs, including respiratory rate, chest indrawing, and alae nasi flaring, are useful predictors of pneumonia in children.
- These findings support the use of clinical assessment to aid in the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia.
Abstract:
One hundred and fifty children aged between 5 months and 5 years with cough of less than 2 weeks duration, and presenting at the paediatric filter clinic and paediatric observation ward of the Kenyatta National Hospital between July and December 1985 were each evaluated by a complete history, physical examination, and a chest X-ray. Ninety of them (or 60%) had radiological evidence of pneumonia. Respiratory rate of over 50 per minute, chest indrawing, flaring of alae nasae, and a history of rapid breathing were found to be valuable indicators of pneumonia.