Differences in clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia with respiratory failure caused by different pathogens.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory failure is a serious complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) that threatens children's health. In this study, the clinical characteristics of CAP with respiratory failure caused by different pathogens were analyzed.

METHODS

The distribution characteristics of the infectious pathogens were analyzed. Further statistical analysis of clinical data was conducted among the Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and bocavirus (BoV) groups.

RESULTS

A total of 16 pathogens were detected, with the top three in terms of infection frequency being MP, RSV, and BoV. The duration of illness prior to hospitalization was longer in the multiple-pathogen group compared with the single-pathogen group. The duration of illness prior to hospitalization and the length of hospital stay were longer in the MP group. The distribution of abnormal imaging findings observed via radiographic examination among the MP, RSV, and BoV groups was related to the course of the illness. The MP group required the longest duration of oxygen therapy, with the majority of cases exceeding 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In children, MP, RSV, and BoV are common pathogens associated with CAP accompanied by respiratory failure. In CAP with respiratory failure, differences in the infecting pathogens lead to variations in clinical characteristics.