The pattern of pediatric respiratory illnesses admitted in ebonyi state university teaching hospital South-East Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Reports from the developed nations reveal respiratory tract infections as the leading cause of childhood hospital admissions. Children may be admitted for a variety of respiratory illnesses. Data on the spectrum of pediatric respiratory illnesses admitted in the hospital is scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of pediatrics respiratory illness admissions, seasonal frequency, underlying risk factors and outcome.


METHODS
A retrospective assessment of respiratory cases admitted in the pediatric ward from 2005 to 2010 was conducted using case notes. Parameters considered included month of presentation, age, sex, immunization and nutritional status, tools of diagnosis and patient outcome. Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with the level of significance P ≤ 0.05.


RESULTS
Of the 239 cases admitted, there were more males than females (1.4:1). The commonest case was Bronchopneumonia, 71.6% (171/239 out of which 161 were uncomplicated, 5 had effusions and 6 were associated with measles). Other cases were Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 10.9% (26/239), Lobar pneumonia 8.8% (21/239), Bronchiolitis, 5% (12/239), Aspiration pneumonitis 2.1% (5/239) and Bronchial asthma, 0.8% (2/239). Mortality was 7.5% (18/239) mostly from Bronchopneumonia amongst the 1-5 years old. Mortality was significantly associated with malnutrition (P < 0.001) and poor immunization status (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Bronchopneumonia was found to be the commonest illness with significant mortality and peak occurrence in the rainy season. More emphasis must be laid on anticipatory guidance and prevention by encouraging the immunization, good nutrition and increased attention on children even after 1 year of age.
Department of Pediatrics, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Ezeonu
Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Uneke
Department of Pediatrics, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Ojukwu
Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Anyanwu
Department of Pediatrics, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Okike
Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Ezeanosike
Department of Pediatrics, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Agumadu
Admissions; Ebonyi; Nigeria; Pattern; Respiratory illness