Prevalence of anemia and its relation to outcome among children aged 1 month – 5 years hospitalized for pneumonia at a tertiary care hospital: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years, particularly in low-resource settings. Anemia, a common comorbidity, exacerbates the severity and outcomes of pneumonia. Understanding the interplay between anemia and pneumonia-related outcomes is crucial for improving clinical management strategies.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anemia in children hospitalized with pneumonia and to assess its correlation with clinical severity, need for advanced respiratory support, blood transfusion, and outcomes.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children aged 1 month to 5 years admitted with pneumonia at a tertiary care center. Clinical manifestations, hemoglobin levels, oxygen therapy requirements, need for blood transfusion, and outcomes were recorded. Anemia was classified based on WHO criteria. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Pearson correlation tests with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Overall, anemia was observed in 68% of participants, with mild (40%), moderate (19.5%), and severe anemia (8.5%). Anemia was observed in 68% of participants, with mild (40%), moderate (19.5%), and severe anemia (8.5%). The need for advanced respiratory support increased with anemia severity; 39.1% of severely anemic children required mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Blood transfusions were necessary in 30% of children with moderate anemia and 70% with severe anemia. Mortality was significantly higher among severely anemic children (50%) compared to non-anemic counterparts (14.3%) (p<0.001). Overall, 93% of children were discharged, while 7% succumbed to pneumonia, predominantly in the under-three age group.

Conclusion: Anemia significantly worsens clinical outcomes in pediatric pneumonia, increasing the need for intensive oxygen therapy, transfusions, and raising the risk of mortality. Early detection and aggressive management of anemia are pivotal to improving survival in pediatric pneumonia cases.

Recommendations: Routine anemia screening and prompt correction should be integrated into pediatric pneumonia management protocols to reduce respiratory complications and improve survival in resource-limited settings.