Profile of paediatric respiratory diseases requiring hospital admission

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory tract disorders cause significant mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To study the pattern of respiratory diseases and its seasonal variation among children. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at University Paediatric Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital in 2010 and 2011. All children below 12 years admitted with respiratory tract diseases (ICD-10 classification) were recruited into the study. Data collection forms were filled by medical officers using patient records. RESULTS: Total of 2651 (1370 in 2010; 1281 in 2011) were admitted with respiratory diseases. In respective years, 53% (2010) and 55%(2011) were males. Highest number of admissions was during infancy (27.2%). During consecutive years 2010 and 2011, 43.0% and 45.2% had unspecified lower respiratory tract infections (LRT1); 29.9% and 29.4% had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI); 10.7% and 12.4% had bronchial asthma; 1.8% and 2.2% had pneumonia; 5.9% and 8.9% had bronchiolitis. Stabilization at ETU was needed in 8.5%. Median duration of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-60) days. No follow-up was required in a majority (82.5%). Admissions due to respiratory diseases peaked in June (2010-20.1% and 2011-16.0%) and were mainly due to LRTI-52.0%, URTI-28.4%. Admissions with bronchial asthma were higher during the first half of the year (2010-86.3% and 2011-80.5%). Deaths were 18 (1.3%) in 2010 and 6 (0.5%) in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory tract infections peak in June whereas asthma is precipitated in early months of the year. Over one-fourth of patients had URTI and was unnecessarily admitted.