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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

[Acute respiratory infections in pediatric intensive care units. A multicenter prospective study]

F J Pilar Orive1, J Casado Flores, M A García Teresa

  • 1H. de Cruces, Vizcaya.

Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|May 15, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Severe pediatric respiratory infections are primarily caused by viruses, with respiratory syncytial virus being most common. Bronchopneumonia and high Downes scores significantly increase mortality risk in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Respiratory Medicine

Context:

  • A multicenter prospective study was conducted in 10 Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) across Spain.
  • The study surveyed children with acute respiratory infections admitted between May 1994 and April 1995, excluding nosocomial infections.
  • Statistical analysis included Student's t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, Chi-square tests with Yates correction, and Fisher's exact test.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the etiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of severe infectious diseases in pediatric intensive care.
  • To identify the most common respiratory infections and their causative agents in critically ill children.
  • To determine factors associated with increased mortality in pediatric patients with respiratory infections.

Summary:

  • 122 children with acute respiratory infections were studied. Bronchopneumonia (38.5%) and bronchiolitis (33%) were most common. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the leading cause (51%), followed by Hemophilus influenzae (19%).
  • The average PICU stay was 5.8 days. Overall mortality was 7%, with higher risk associated with bronchopneumonia and elevated Downes scores.
  • Viral etiologies accounted for 54% of infections, while bacterial etiologies represented 46%, with Hemophilus influenzae being the most frequent bacterial agent.

Impact:

  • Identifies key pathogens and common diagnoses in severe pediatric respiratory infections requiring intensive care.
  • Highlights bronchopneumonia and high illness severity scores as critical indicators for mortality risk.
  • Provides valuable etiological data to guide treatment strategies and improve outcomes for critically ill children with respiratory infections.
Abstract

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