Adenovirus-associated pneumonia in South African children: Presentation, clinical course and outcome

Abstract

Background. Viruses have emerged as important aetiological agents of childhood pneumonia.

Objective. To investigate the clinical presentation, severity and outcome of adenovirus-associated pneumonia (AVP) in children.

Methods. A retrospective analysis of AVP cases over 12 months was performed, including demographic, clinical course and outcome (death, persistent lung disease (PLD)) data.

Results. Two hundred and six AVP cases (median age 12 months, interquartile range 6 - 24) were identified; 70 children (34.0%) were malnourished and 14 (6.8%) were HIV-infected. Twenty-nine children (14.1%) developed PLD, which was associated with hypoxia at presentation in 26 cases (89.7%; p=0.01) and necessitated admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) in 18 (62.1%; p<0.01); 18/206 children (8.7%) died. Admission to the ICU (odds ratio (OR) 8.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3 - 29.0) and a positive blood culture (OR 11.2, 95% CI 2.3 - 54.1) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions. Adenovirus is a potential cause of pneumonia and PLD in young children in South Africa. ICU admission and a positive blood culture were associated with poor outcome.