Epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic aspects and short-term outcome of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections in children at the Niamey Regional Hospital

Abstract

Introduction : The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic aspects and short-term outcome of these infections at the Niamey Regional Hospital. Patients and methods : This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted on 24 months in the Pediatrics Department. The study included all children aged from one (1) month to 15 years admitted to the department for Acute Lowers Respiratory Infections (ALRIs). Sociodemographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognosis aspects were studied. Data analysis was performed using Epi-Info7 version 7.2.1 software. Results: The frequency of ALRIs was 16.9%. Cases were most frequent in November with 45.3%. The sex ratio was 1.3. Children under 12 months of age were most affected with 68.3%. Vaccination status was not up to date in 46.4%. The main reasons for admission were fever and cough in 66.4% and 58.9% respectively. The main clinical forms were pneumonia 59.7% and bronchiolitis 34.7%. All children received antibiotic therapy. The outcome was favorable in 88.3% of patients. Hospitalization lasted 4 to 5 days in 46.4% of patients. Mortality rate was 8.6%. Risk factors associated with death included age under 5 years, diagnosis of pneumonia and out-of-date vaccination status (OR>1 ; p<0,05). Conclusion : Acute Lowers Respiratory Infections are common in our setting. Pneumonia was the most common diagnosis and the main risk factor for death. Its prevention must be reinforced by vaccination