Management Practices and Clinical Profiles of Pediatric Pneumonia in a Tertiary Referral Setting in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Pneumonia remains a major cause of hospitalization among children in Ethiopia.
To describe clinical characteristics, treatment practices, and outcomes.
A retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024 (n=207). Descriptive and exploratory regression analyses were used.
Severe pneumonia accounted for 93.7% of cases, with community-acquired pneumonia predominating. Ceftriaxone was the most frequently used antibiotic (32.2%), while paracetamol was the most commonly administered supportive medication (84.8%). More than half of patients (55.1%) were hospitalized for 1–2 weeks. A history of pneumonia, comorbidity, recurrent respiratory illness, and acute malnutrition were associated with prolonged hospitalization. Blood culture testing was performed in only seven patients. Overall, 92.8% of patients recovered or improved, while 7.2% experienced poor outcomes. Regression findings were interpreted as exploratory given the small number of poor-outcome events.
Severe pneumonia was common, with substantial use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and limited microbiological investigation.
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