Age-specific risk factors of severe pneumonia among pediatric patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Abstract Background Risk factors that predispose the development of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among pediatric CAP patients of different age ranges are yet to be identified. Methods We retrospectively analyzed pediatric in-patients ( 1 for all). CHD, low albumin, proteinuria, abnormal chest x-ray were independent risks factors across different age groups, whereas birth or feeding history, history of pneumonia, cyanosis or dyspnea on admission, and RSV infection were independent risk factors for only younger kids (< 1 year), and wheezing was an independent risk factor only for older children (2–5 years old). Conclusions Risk factors predicting disease severity among children hospitalized with CAP vary with age. Risk factor stratification of pediatric CAP based on age-specific risk factors can better guide clinical practice. Trial registration This study has been registered in China, with the registration number being ChiCTR2000033019 .

Keywords

• Severe community-acquired pneumonia
• Risk factors
• Age
• Pediatrics