Difficulties in the Therapeutic Management of Complicated Pneumonia in Children

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality at pediatric age (estimated by UNICEF at 3 million child deaths per year worldwide). Although the etiology of pneumonia is well known, in many patients the exact pathogen is not identified after routine diagnostic workup. We present three cases with complications. that were diagnosed and treated in our Pneumology Clinic. The aim of this case series is to point out the challenges in diagnosing and managing such diseases in children. The evolution of the three cases was difficult, all children needed ICU care. Cultures collected for all of them were negative, probably secondary to the fact that they received antibiotic treatment at home, before carrying out tests. Yet, after receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive treatment the evolution was favorable in the end. Conclusion: Despite progresses that were made in the last century concerning the antibiotic treatment in pneumonia there are still cases that develop severe complications that require multidisciplinary approach.