Risk Factors of Jakhar et al for a Poor Outcome in a Child Under 5 Years of Age with Severe Pneumonia

Patient selection: child from 2 months to 5 years of age with severe pneumonia

Common pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus

Poor outcome: treatment failure, need to change antibiotics, prolonged hospital stay, need for mechanical ventilation, death

Risk factors for a poor outcome:

(1) respiratory rate > 70 breaths per minute

(2) altered mental status (lethargy to coma)

(3) positive blood culture

(4) inability to drink

(5) abnormal chest X-ray

(6) rickets

Other factors:

(1) a history of low birth weight

(2) overcrowding

(3) crepitation

(4) leukocytosis

The presence of a wheeze was associated with a better outcome.