Factors associated with complicated pneumonia in children

• Published in: Pediatric pulmonology 2021-08, Vol.56 (8), p.2700-2706
• Main Authors: Masarweh, Kamal, Gur, Michal, Toukan, Yazeed, Bar‐Yoseph, Ronen, Kassis, Imad, Gut, Guy, Hakim, Fahed, Nir, Vered, Bentur, Lea
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: community acquired pneumonia; complicated pneumonia; Hospitalization; MDClone; Pneumonia; Risk factors
• ISSN: 8755-6863; 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25468

Introduction Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity in children, despite advances in health care and anti‐pneumococcal vaccine. Complicated pneumonia accounts for a significant burden with prolonged hospitalization. Finding risk factors for complicated pneumonia may help in tailoring management. We aimed to identify risk factors for developing complicated pneumonia and need for intervention. Methods A retrospective single tertiary center study. Children admitted with a diagnosis of CAP and/or complicated pneumonia (parapneumonic effusion, empyema, necrotizing pneumonia, and lung abscess) on January 2001–March 2020 were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were collected using MDclone, a data acquisition tool. Risk factors for complicated pneumonia (on admission or during hospitalization) and risk for intervention were analyzed. Results A total of 6778 children with pneumonia were included; 323 arrived at the Emergency Department with complicated pneumonia while 232 developed a complication during hospitalization. Risk factors for complicated pneumonia (on admission or during hospitalization) were Arab ethnicity, cardiac disease, increased age, and CRP and low O2 Sat (OR = 2.236 p