Abstract

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the factors associated with adverse outcome in pneumonia among children <5 years of age

Methodology: A total of 100 children again between 1 month and 59 months of age with adverse outcome were selected in the study. Contributing factors at admission were noted for all the children who were treated as per treatment protocol. Children were followed up to assess outcome which can be recovery from disease, need for ventilation, death or development of complications. Contributing factors and presence of adverse outcome was accorded.

Results: Frequency of associated factors was recorded as 34%(n=34) had <6 months of age, 30%(n=30) had low weight, 22%(n=22) had ALOC, 16%(n=16) had changes in arterial blood gases, 68%(n=68) had radiological changes while 41%(n=41) had lack of exclusive breast fed.

Conclusion: We concluded that radiological changes, lack of exclusive breast fed <6 months of age and low weight are the significant indicator of adverse outcome.

Keywords: Pneumonia, children, adverse outcome, contributing factors