Abstract

MACHADO, Karina; PEREZ, Walter; PIREZ, Catalina  and  STOLL, Marina. Child hospitalizations for acute lower respiratory infections probably caused by virus in 2012: a healthcare strategy. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2016, vol.87, n.1, pp.5-11. ISSN 0004-0584.

Introduction: during the colder months, acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) determine a considerable increase in the demand for care at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital (HP-CHPR). In order to respond to such demand the hospital implements a diagnosis and treatment strategy called Winter Plan (WP), which is planned annually based on the characteristics of patients treated in previous years. Objectives: to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and evolution of children with ALRI who required hospitalization in the HP-CHPR during the cold months of 2012, and to describe the main actions of the 2012 Winter Plan strategy (2012 WP). Methodology: epidemiological, clinical and evolution characteristics of children under 24 months discharged from HP-CHPR within the 2012WP strategy were described. The strategy’s main action for diagnosis and treatment were described. Results: 887 children were discharged during the 2012 WP strategy, representing 25.5% of hospital discharges. Median age was 4 months. Less than 10% presented risk factors for severe disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently identified virus. A protocol for diagnosis and treatment was applied. Special techniques for treatment were implemented in transitional care rooms. 87 children were administered non-invasive ventilation, which was successful in 80% of cases. High-flow oxygen was used in 22 children, being this successful in all patients. 149 children required admission to intensive care unit (ICU) , 55.7% needed mechanical ventilation assistance. Two patients died in the medium unit and four in the ICU. Conclusions: ALRI represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality during the period described . Most children who required hospitalization were young. A significant percentage presented  a severe disease, requiring special treatment modalities. It is important to continue searching for the best therapeutic strategy for these children.

Keywords : RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASES; RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTIOUS; ACUTE DISEASE; OXYGEN INHALATION THERAPY; NONINVASIVE VENTILATION; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION.

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