[Epidemiology and morbidity of mycoplasma as causative agent for community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized children in a Community Hospital in Vienna].
BACKGROUND
Epidemiology and morbidity of mycoplasma-associated pneumonia in youths and children in Vienna are not known. The first objective was to elucidate the incidence and the second was to evaluate a standard antibiotic regimen with addition of a macrolid in children over 5 years.


METHODS
Hospitalized patients were evaluated prospectively during 3 winter seasons. In a clinical routine setting microbiologic tests were performed, nasal secretions were tested for viruses, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and clinical parameters were documented.


RESULTS
Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 12 patients out of 279 (4.3%). All were 5 years and older. The mean number of days in hospital was 4.6, the number of days with fever > 38.5 degrees was 1.2, the maximal value of C-reactive protein was 48 mg/L, no complications occurred, and all children recovered completely.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 4.3% of children and youths. The antibiotic regimen is appropriate as initial therapy.
Abteilung für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Sozialmedizinisches Zentrum Ost - Donauspital, Wien, Austria. herbert.kurz@wienkav.at
Herbert
H
Kurz
Hubert
H
Göpfrich
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001317:Austria; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018942:Macrolides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018942:Macrolides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D017291:Clarithromycin; D002444:Cefuroxime