Child pneumonia – focus on the Western Pacific Region

• Published in: Paediatric respiratory reviews 2017-01, Vol.21, p.102-110
• Main Authors: Nguyen, T.K.P, Tran, T.H, Roberts, C.L, Graham, S.M, Marais, B.J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acute respiratory infection; aetiology; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; antibiotic stewardship; Asia, Southeastern - epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; epidemiology; Far East - epidemiology; Global Health; Haemophilus Infections - drug therapy; Haemophilus Infections - epidemiology; Haemophilus Infections - mortality; Haemophilus Infections - prevention & control; Haemophilus influenzae; Haemophilus Vaccines - therapeutic use; Humans; Hypoxia - therapy; Infant; Influenza Vaccines - therapeutic use; Influenza, Human - epidemiology; Influenza, Human - mortality; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Influenza, Human - therapy; management; Pediatrics; Pneumococcal Vaccines - therapeutic use; pneumonia; Pneumonia - drug therapy; Pneumonia - epidemiology; Pneumonia - mortality; Pneumonia - prevention & control; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma - drug therapy; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma - mortality; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal - drug therapy; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal - mortality; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal - prevention & control; Pulmonary/Respiratory; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - epidemiology; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - mortality; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - therapy; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - drug therapy; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - epidemiology; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - mortality; vaccination; World Health Organization
• ISSN: 1526-0542; 1526-0550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2016.07.004

Summary Worldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in infants and young children (aged 75%) of pneumonia deaths occurred in six countries; Cambodia, China, Laos, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Historically Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the commonest causes of severe pneumonia and pneumonia-related deaths in young children, but this is changing with the introduction of highly effective conjugate vaccines and socio-economic development. The relative contribution of viruses and atypical bacteria appear to be increasing and traditional case management approaches may require revision to accommodate increased uptake of conjugated vaccines in the Western Pacific region. Careful consideration should be given to risk reduction strategies, enhanced vaccination coverage, improved management of hypoxaemia and antibiotic stewardship.