Abstract

KASSISSE, Elías et al. Acute phase reactants in children hospitalized for pneumonia. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2017, vol.80, n.3, pp.75-80. ISSN 0004-0649.

Introduction: Acute-phase reactants may be useful in the clinical context of the child with pneumonia, since they can help in making both diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The objective was to demonstrate the existing relationship of these reactants to predict the risk and evolution of children hospitalized for pneumonia. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study, the acute phase reactants measured were white blood cells count, c-reactive protein, total platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate immediately after hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and ANOVA with a significance level of p <0.05. Results: We evaluated 230 patients, 46% were <2 years old. The severity was independent of the reactants (p> 0.05, X² = 2.09). Statistical significance was found between the multilobar extension and platelet counts and sedimentation rate (p <0.0205 and 0.0049 respectively), between hospital stay and white blood cell and platelet counts, as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p <0.001, <0.001 and X² 21.97 respectively). Therapeutic failure was related to increases in white blood cell and platelet counts, as well as sedimentation rate and creactive protein levels. Conclusion: Acute phase reactants do not allow estimation of initial clinical severity but provide information on the risk of greater hospital stay and therapeutic failure.

Keywords : inflammatory markers; acute reactants; pneumonia; severity; therapeutic failure; children.

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