Evaluation of nutritional status and its impact on pulmonary infections in pediatric patients: A hospital-based prospective observational study.

Dr. V Sai  Savya; Dr. Sudhakar  Chiluka; Dr. S Sunil  Kumar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2515

Authors

Dr. V Sai Savya Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. Sudhakar Chiluka Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. S Sunil Kumar Divisional Medical Officer, South Central Railway Hospital, Lalaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2515

Keywords:

Pediatric, undernutrition, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, lower respiratory tract infection, hospitalization

Abstract

Background:

Pulmonary infections remain a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and hospitalization in low- and middle-income settings, and undernutrition amplifies susceptibility to severe disease and complications.

Objectives:

To evaluate the nutritional status of children admitted with pulmonary infections and to examine its association with infection patterns and short-term clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A hospital-based observational study was conducted in one hundred children aged 1–14 years presenting with clinically diagnosed pulmonary infections. Anthropometry was recorded at admission, and nutritional status was categorized using age-appropriate indices. Pulmonary infection type and severity indicators (severe infection, duration of hospitalization, need for intravenous therapy, and complications) were documented. Group comparisons between children with normal nutrition and undernutrition were performed.

Results:

The mean age was 6.4 ± 3.1 years, and 56% were boys. Undernutrition was present in 58% of children, including mild, moderate, and severe undernutrition in 18%, 26%, and 14%, respectively. Pneumonia was the most common infection pattern, observed in 52% of cases, followed by bronchopneumonia in 28% and recurrent lower respiratory tract infection in 14%. The distribution of infection type did not show a statistically significant association with nutritional status (χ²=3.99, df=3, p=0.263). However, severe infection was significantly more frequent among undernourished children than normally nourished children (55.2% vs 23.8%; χ²=9.84, df=1, p=0.002). Complications were also higher in the undernourished group (34.5% vs 14.3%; χ²=5.16, df=1, p=0.023). Mean hospital stay was significantly longer among undernourished children (7.1 ± 2.4 vs 4.2 ± 1.6 days; t=6.81, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Undernutrition was common among children hospitalized with pulmonary infections and was significantly associated with greater clinical severity, higher complication burden, and prolonged hospitalization.

Recommendations:

Early nutritional screening and targeted nutritional support should be integrated into routine pediatric respiratory care pathways.

Author Biographies

Dr. V Sai Savya, Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Gandhi Medical College in 2010 and subsequently obtained her MD in Pulmonary Medicine from Kakatiya Medical College in 2014. Her academic and clinical interests focus on chronic respiratory diseases, pulmonary hypertension, and the application of echocardiographic assessment in respiratory medicine. She is actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and contributes to clinical research aimed at improving diagnosis and outcomes in patients with chronic lung disorders. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3647-976X

Dr. Sudhakar Chiluka, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. He is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching and provides comprehensive pediatric care across outpatient and inpatient services. His academic and clinical interests include pediatric respiratory infections, childhood nutrition, growth monitoring, and preventive child health, with particular emphasis on improving outcomes in vulnerable pediatric populations. Dr. Chiluka has contributed to clinical research focused on nutritional determinants of pediatric morbidity and evidence-based strategies for early identification and management of common childhood illnesses. He is committed to promoting rational clinical practice, strengthening community-oriented pediatric healthcare delivery, and supporting research that enhances child health indicators in resource-limited settings. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9904-0311

Dr. S Sunil Kumar, Divisional Medical Officer, South Central Railway Hospital, Lalaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

is a Divisional Medical Officer at the South Central Railway Hospital, Lalaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. He completed his MBBS from MNR Medical College in 2011 and pursued his postgraduate training in Pulmonary Medicine, obtaining his MD from Kakatiya Medical College in 2017. His clinical expertise includes the evaluation and management of chronic respiratory disorders, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory care delivery in hospital-based settings. He is actively involved in patient-centered clinical practice and institutional healthcare services, and contributes to academic and research activities focused on improving respiratory outcomes through early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment strategies. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5052-7689

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