Measles pneumonia: lung puncture findings in 56 cases related to chest X-ray changes and clinical features.
Fifty-six African children with pneumonia following measles were investigated. Lung puncture identified bacteria by culture or countercurrent immune electrophoresis in 38% and blood culture with blood countercurrent immune electrophoresis (CIE) identified a further 17%, a bacterial diagnosis being made in a total 55%. Pneumococcus was the most common organism found, occurring in 30% of all measles pneumonias. More severe changes on chest X-ray at presentation were associated with higher rates of bacterial identification and worse outcome at 2 weeks. Chest X-ray changes were worse and bacterial identification was more common in poorly nourished children. Pneumothoraces occurred following lung puncture in 21% and surgical drainage was needed in 11%.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications*; D008459:Measles virus; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography