Objectives: To review epidemiology, aetiology and management of childhood pneumonia in low-and-middle-income countries.
Design: Review of published English literature between 2013 and 2019.
Results: Pneumonia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Risk factors include young age, malnutrition, immunosuppression, tobacco smoke or air pollution exposure. Better methods for specimen collection and molecular diagnostics have improved microbiological diagnosis, indicating that pneumonia results from several organisms interacting. Induced sputum increases microbiologic yield for Bordetella pertussis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which has been associated with pneumonia in high TB prevalence areas. The proportion of cases due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae b has declined with new conjugate vaccines; Staphylococcus aureus and H. influenzae non-type b are the commonest bacterial pathogens; viruses are the most common pathogens. Effective interventions comprise antibiotics, oxygen and non-invasive ventilation. New vaccines have reduced severity and incidence of disease, but disparities exist in uptake.
Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality from childhood pneumonia has decreased but a considerable preventable burden remains. Widespread implementation of available, effective interventions and development of novel strategies are needed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prrv.2019.06.001 | DOI Listing |
Front Public Health
January 2025
Amref Health Africa, Kampala, Uganda.
Introduction: The government's role in influencing policies related to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine distribution and handwashing practices is essential in controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Methods: This study aimed to systematically review published studies to explore the influence of government policies on handwashing and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to prevent and control COVID-19. A comprehensive search strategy was applied across three databases, and eligibility was determined using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Pediatr Pulmonol
December 2024
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of administering six doses of intrapleural streptokinase (SK) versus the conventional three doses, in children with empyema.
Study Design: In this open label, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, we enrolled 53 children with empyema, who received three doses of intrapleural SK. Thereafter, those without clinical improvement (n = 34) and those showing clinical improvement but having persistent pleural fluid width > 10 mm on chest ultrasonography (n = 13), were randomized to receive three additional doses of SK, or three doses of placebo (normal saline).
BMC Public Health
December 2024
Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
Background: There is limited data that assessed the changes in public confidence in routine childhood and adult vaccines after Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We, therefore, assessed these changes and the reasons; if any; for these changes and measured the impact of COVID-19 on peoples' thoughts regarding routine vaccinations in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional online study in Saudi Arabia from November 2023 to April 2024.
Cureus
November 2024
Pediatrics, Unidade Local de Saúde São João, Porto, PRT.
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant health challenge globally and in Portugal. Diagnostic challenges persist, especially in infants, where TB often presents with atypical symptoms. A previously healthy three-month-old male infant from Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, was admitted with cough, rhinorrhea, respiratory distress, and high-grade fever.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVaccine
December 2024
Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Electronic address:
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