Persistent pneumonia: Underlying cause and outcome

Abstract

Objective: To identify the causes and contributing factors of persistent pneumonia in children.

Methods: 41 cases with persistent pneumonia were investigated (biochemical, microbiological, histopathological, immunological and radiological tests) to find out the underlying cause.

Results: Out of 41 cases, 8 had pulmonary tuberculosis and 12 had Gram negative bacterial infections, 12 had aspiration due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or oil instillation, 3 had immunodeficiency due to HIV infection, 2 had congenital lung malformation, 2 had cardiac disorders and one had foreign body aspiration as causes of persistent pneumonia. The etiology could not be established in one case.

Conclusion: The most common underlying cause of persistent pneumonia were persistent infection followed by aspiration and acquired immunodeficiency.