Clinical and Etiological Spectrum of Viral Pneumonia in Critically Ill Children: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical profile and the predictors of outcome in children with viral pneumonia.

METHODS

This retrospective study included children (1 to 120 months) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) of viral etiology confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swabs or endotracheal aspirates.

RESULTS

Out of 180 children admitted with SARI, 160 were screened by PCR testing; 112 had a proven viral etiology; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the commonest (40.2%), followed by rhinovirus (25.9%), and adenovirus (19.6%). 96 required high-flow oxygen support, and 23 needed mechanical ventilation. Adenoviral infections accounted for all five deaths (4.5%) and were significantly associated with need for mechanical ventilation [aOR 9.3 (95%CI 3.1, 30.5)], shock [aOR 12.8 (95%CI 3.9, 47.2)], and multi-organ dysfunction [aOR 15.3 (95%CI 4.4, 60.8)].

CONCLUSION

The broad impact of adenovirus infections on various organ systems in children underscores the need for thorough surveillance, high suspicion, early detection, and effective management of potential complications.