Recurrent Pneumonia in Children: A Reasoned Diagnostic Approach and a Single Centre Experience.
Recurrent pneumonia (RP), i.e., at least two episodes of pneumonia in one year or three episodes ever with intercritical radiographic clearing of densities, occurs in 7.7%-9% of children with community-acquired pneumonia. In RP, the challenge is to discriminate between children with self-limiting or minor problems, that do not require a diagnostic work-up, and those with an underlying disease. The aim of the current review is to discuss a reasoned diagnostic approach to RP in childhood. Particular emphasis has been placed on which children should undergo a diagnostic work-up and which tests should be performed. A pediatric case series is also presented, in order to document a single centre experience of RP. A management algorithm for the approach to children with RP, based on the evidence from a literature review, is proposed. Like all algorithms, it is not meant to replace clinical judgment, but it should drive physicians to adopt a systematic approach to pediatric RP and provide a useful guide to the clinician.
Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. amina2004@virgilio.it.
Silvia
S
Montella
Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. dedeee@hotmail.it.
Adele
A
Corcione
Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. santamar@unina.it.
Francesca
F
Santamaria
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors
children; community-acquired pneumonia; diagnosis; lower respiratory tract infections; recurrent pneumonia