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Sleep study of respiratory parameters in asthmatic children
Posters / Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 12S1 (2011) S67–S100
Subsequently, the vaporization by NdYAG laser – Sharplan 3000, was performed via flexible bronchoscopy. The dilatation by balloon (Boston Scientific) was performed to widen the diameter of trachea up to 8 mm. Results: After one week pulmonary functuon test revealed normal parameters of lung function without pathological symptoms. Conclusion: The interventional bronchsocopy is well funded in pediatric pulmonology. A13 Quality of life in asthmatic children: a comparative study of patients’ and parents’ perceptions M. Shaheen, S. El Said, E. Zaki. Ain Shams University Pediatric Department, Pulmonology Unit, Cairo, Egypt Background: Pediatric asthma is one of the most important public health problems. Pediatric pulmonologists are not only responsible for clinical relief of children’s symptoms but also for providing a better health related quality of life for them and their families. Aim of the work: The present study was designed to investigate the Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for pediatric asthmatic patients and their caregivers’ perception compared to controls. Methods: This study comprised 80 children and their parents. They were classified into two groups. Group I (known asthmatic children) which comprised 40 children; their ages ranged from 8 to 12 years and group II (controls) which comprised 40 matched healthy children. All children in this study were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and assessment of Pediatric Quality of Life using PedsQL™ Inventory both Child Self Report and Parent Proxy Report. The PedsQL™ Scales are comprised of parallel child self-report and parent proxy-report formats. The PedsQL™ covers five health domains: physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning, and general well-being. Items are reverse-scored and linearly transformed to a 0–100 scale that higher scores indicate better HRQOL. Results: In the current study, HRQOL (physical, emotion, social, school and psychosocial health) showed significant lower scores both in asthmatic children and their caregivers compared to controls (p < 0.01). Patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma selfreported significantly the lowest overall HRQOL (HRQOL scores were negatively correlated to asthma severity scores and positively correlated to pulmonary function parameters). However; both asthmatic children and their caregivers suffered significant lower total HRQOL, the caregivers had significant lower values compared to their asthmatic children (p < 0.05). Also, the differential perception of HRQOL of the assessed categories was significantly different between asthmatic children and their parents. In conclusion, childhood asthma leads to lowering the HRQOL of asthmatic children and their families; however parents are more vulnerable for worse quality of life. A14 Serum vitamin D levels and severe therapy resistant asthma in children A. Gupta1 , A. Bush1 , D. Richards2 , C. Hawrylowicz2 , S. Saglani1 . 1 Royal Brompton Hospital & NHLI, Imperial College, Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, London, UK; 2 King’s College MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, UK Background: Little is known about vitamin D levels and their impact on disease control in children with severe, therapy resistant asthma (STRA). Hypothesis: Children with STRA have lower serum vitamin D levels than non-asthmatic controls and lower vitamin D levels are associated with more severe asthma [symptoms, inhaled
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corticosteroid (ICS) treatment, and spirometry; and worse airway inflammation measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)]. Methods: We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 30 asthmatics and 16 non-asthmatic children; asthma severity was categorized using the asthma control test (ACT); ICS dose; spirometry; exhaled nitric oxide at 50 ml/s (FeNO50 ); BAL cytokines and CD25+ FoxP3 regulatory cells. Results: In asthmatics, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<75 nmol/L) was 90%, with 78% being vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L). All age-matched non-asthmatic controls were vitamin D insufficient with 50% being vitamin D deficient. Children with asthma had lower median 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels (36 nmol/L, range 3–83) as compared to age-matched non-asthmatic controls (48 nmol/L, range 25–72) (P = 0.03). There was a positive correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and asthma symptoms (ACT) (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and % predicted forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) (r = 0.3, P = 0.04). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly inversely associated with FeNO50 (r = −0.6, P = 0.001) and ICS usage (r = −0.4, P = 0.02). In children with STRA, a positive correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and BAL levels of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 (r = 0.51, P = 0.03) and CD25+ FoxP3 regulatory cells (r = 0.6, P = 0.02). No significant relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and BAL neutrophils and eosinophils Conclusion: In children with STRA reduced vitamin D levels are associated with worse symptoms and greater ICS usage, lower lung function, and more severe airway inflammation. Proof of concept that vitamin D deficiency causes steroid resistance requires intervention studies, but at the very least, on clinical grounds, vitamin D deficiency should be sought and treated in children with STRA. A15 Sleep study of respiratory parameters in asthmatic children M. Shaheen, A. El Husainy, M. El Khawaga. Ain Shams University Pediatric Department, Pulmonology Unit, Cairo, Egypt Background: Many asthmatic children get awake with symptoms of their disease almost every night. A growing body of evidence indicates that the causal pathway of cytokine changes resulting from asthma may influence the neurochemistry of sleep regulation. Equally possible is that sleep disturbance resulting from asthma promotes further changes in neuropeptides, which in turn influence the course of asthma. Asthma, airway inflammation, and sleep may thus be linked in a complex set of relationships in need for evaluation. Objectives: This observational cross sectional study was designed to monitor respiratory parameters during sleep in asthmatic children. Methods: Fifty Egyptian children were recruited for assessment, 30 known asthmatic children and 20 matched healthy controls. All the children were subjected for; detailed medical history including night symptoms, thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measures, pulmonary function testing and recording of respiratory parameters during sleep using non-invasive Apnea Link screening system (RESMED system). Results: History of recurrent night cough is found in 44% of asthmatic children, recurrent night wheezes in 77%, night snoring in 47%, night nasal obstruction in 53% and recurrent night dyspnoea in 17% of the studied asthmatic children. Repeated daytime naps were reported in 43% of children, sleep fragmentation in 40% and nocturnal awaking in 37% of children. Pathological Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI ≥ 1) was documented among 96% of asthmatic children compared to 3.33% of controls; and AHI showed a significant negative correlation to FEV1 values (r = −0.379, p = 0.01). Similarly, Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) ranged from 0 to 26 with mean
S72
Posters / Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 12S1 (2011) S67–S100
value 6.7±7 for asthmatic children compared to controls (range 0–4, mean 1.45±1.39). Conclusion: Asthmatic children are clearly liable for sleep related breathing disorders and those abnormalities are significantly related to the degree of airway obstruction. A16 Vitamin D serum levels and lung function in preschool wheezing infants A. Scaparrotta1 , C. Spagnuolo1 , N.P. Consilvio1 , A. Cingolani1 , S. Di Pillo1 , F. Chiarelli2 , M. Verini1 . 1 Allergological Service, Paediatric Clinic, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy; 2 Paediatric Department, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging problem in children with recurrent wheezing. Aim of this study was the evaluation of the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in preschool wheezing infants aged <3 years, in order to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels and respiratory function. 38 children (age range 5–27 months) with almost two wheezing episodes were studied with anamnestic questionnaire, lung function evaluation and serum vitamin D level (25-OH-D), PTH, calcium and phosphorus dosages. Respiratory function was evaluated by Tidal Breathing Flow Volume Loop analysis (TBFVL) during sleep, before and after 200 mg of salbutamol. The ratio between Peak Tidal Expiratory Flow Time and Expiratory Time (tPTEF/tE) and tidal volume (VT) were measured. 22/38 children (58%) had insufficient (<30 ng/ml) vitamin D levels and 10/22 (45%) showed levels <20 ng/ml. Our data showed a seasonal fluctuation in the levels of vitamin D: 19/22 children with insufficient values of vitamin D (86%) were evaluated during the fall/winter period; 3 (14%) during the spring; none during the summer. No statistically significant correlation was found between the type of lactation (breast milk or formula) and the levels of vitamin D. A statistically significant correlation was found between values of 25-OH-D and the use of vitamin supplements during pregnancy (p = 0.012). No correlation was found between the values of vitamin D and the tPTEF/tE, while a statistically significant correlation emerged between vitamin values D and tidal volume (TV) (5.87±1.34 ml/kg in patients with vitamin D <30 ng/ml vs 7.84±2.8 ml/kg in patients with vitamin D >30 ng/ml; p = 0.001). No correlation was found between post-bronchodilator positive response and vitamin D levels. This study shows that vitamin D levels are well correlated with tidal volume (VT) rather than tPTEF/tE, measure of airway obstruction.This may reflect how vitamin D is primarily involved in respiratory mechanics rather than in the pathogenesis of bronchial obstruction. The reduction of tidal volume may be the expression of a “rachitic lung”, with a respiratory function compromised by a pliable rib cage and muscle weakness. These data confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in the growth and development of the lung and in the acquisition of an adequate respiratory function.
B. Bronchopulmonary and pleural infections (including tuberculosis) B1 Acute bronchiolitis in former premature under 35 weeks of gestation S. Hamouda, S. Maghraoui, F. Tinsa, I. Brini, L. Karboul, Kh. Boussetta, S. Bousnina. Children’s Hospital Medicine B, Tunis, Tunisia Introduction: Bronchiolitis is a common disorder affecting younger and younger infants. The prevention of RSV bronchiolitis by
monoclonal antibodies has improved its prognosis in the former preterm less than 35 weeks of gestation in developed countries. In our country, this treatment is expensive and unavailable. The aim of our study is to assess the severity of bronchiolitis and its costs in this population. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to December 2009, 22 cases of bronchiolitis (first episode) in former preterm infants (≤35 weeks of gestation) and aged under 6 months were collected in the Department of Medicine B in Children’s Hospital of Tunis (4.1% of all hospitalization for bronchiolitis). For each infant, we have registered the clinical and radiological features and the outcome of the disease. The cost of each hospitalization was also calculated. Results: The mean age of our 22 patients was 80 days (24 d to 6 months). They were divided into 16 boys and 6 girls (sex ratio = 2.6). They had a mean term of 32 weeks of gestation (27–35) at birth. Three of them had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Half of the patients received breastfeeding. On admission, bronchiolitis was mild in 6 cases, moderate in 8 cases and severe in 8 other cases with frequent apnea in 6 cases. The average of hospital stay was 7 days (1–27 d). Eight patients (36%) required transfer to intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. About one third (7/22) of infants had a secondary bacterial infection. Two infants died after 9 and 10 days. Subsequently, 18 infants had a second episode of bronchiolitis and 2 developed asthma. The average of total cost of hospitalization was equal to 388 TD (30–1455 TD) [~€200 (€15–754)]. Conclusion: Bronchiolitis in former preterm less than 35 weeks of gestation is often severe requiring sometimes cumbersome and expensive treatment. The death rate seems high, but our sample is reduced. The contribution of anti-RSV monoclonal antibody could improve the prognosis of the disease. However its cost is much higher than that of hospitalization. B2 Acute-acquired pneumonia in children in hospital setting in Algeria R. Boukari1 , C. Kaddache1 , S. Touri1 , R. Mezeghrani1 , K. Mammeri1 , N. Benali Khoudja1 , M.L. Atif2 . 1 CHU Blida, Pediatrics, Blida, Algeria; 2 CHU Blida, Epidemiology, Blida, Algeria Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia remains a common and serious illness. It is the main causes of death in young children, especially in developing countries. Objectives: Determine epidemiological, clinical characteristics and outcome of acute acquired pneumonia in our hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from October 2008 to October 2010. All children (one month to 15 years old) admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of communityacquired pneumonia were included. Diagnosis criteria were: fever >38°C and/or acute respiratory symptoms and radiological opacity. Exclusion criteria were: age <1 month, nosocomial pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease. Results: There were 221 children (120 male, 101 female) with a mean age at admission of 11.9 (SD 20.5) months. 89 % were less than 2 years old. The most common clinical signs and symptoms were fever (79%), cough (72%), tachypnea (80%) and auscultation abnormalities (crackles, crepitations). The mean duration of symptoms before admission was 7 days. Severe symptoms were present, such as respiratory distress (38%), cyanosis (40%), lethargy (7%), unable to feed (12%), grunting (13%). 13% had partial immunization or lack of immunization. No one received pneumococcal vaccine (still not included in the national immunization program). 16% were underweight. The most common radiological finding was unilobar consolidation (57%), bilateral pneumonia was present in 31% of children and pleural effusion in 15%. Microbiological investigations are lacking in this study: Blood culture (14), thoracocentesis (21), sputum aspiration (4) were rarely performed and poorly contributive (positive 18%).
Subsequently, the vaporization by NdYAG laser – Sharplan 3000, was performed via flexible bronchoscopy. The dilatation by balloon (Boston Scientific) was performed to widen the diameter of trachea up to 8 mm. Results: After one week pulmonary functuon test revealed normal parameters of lung function without pathological symptoms. Conclusion: The interventional bronchsocopy is well funded in pediatric pulmonology. A13 Quality of life in asthmatic children: a comparative study of patients’ and parents’ perceptions M. Shaheen, S. El Said, E. Zaki. Ain Shams University Pediatric Department, Pulmonology Unit, Cairo, Egypt Background: Pediatric asthma is one of the most important public health problems. Pediatric pulmonologists are not only responsible for clinical relief of children’s symptoms but also for providing a better health related quality of life for them and their families. Aim of the work: The present study was designed to investigate the Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for pediatric asthmatic patients and their caregivers’ perception compared to controls. Methods: This study comprised 80 children and their parents. They were classified into two groups. Group I (known asthmatic children) which comprised 40 children; their ages ranged from 8 to 12 years and group II (controls) which comprised 40 matched healthy children. All children in this study were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and assessment of Pediatric Quality of Life using PedsQL™ Inventory both Child Self Report and Parent Proxy Report. The PedsQL™ Scales are comprised of parallel child self-report and parent proxy-report formats. The PedsQL™ covers five health domains: physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning, and general well-being. Items are reverse-scored and linearly transformed to a 0–100 scale that higher scores indicate better HRQOL. Results: In the current study, HRQOL (physical, emotion, social, school and psychosocial health) showed significant lower scores both in asthmatic children and their caregivers compared to controls (p < 0.01). Patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma selfreported significantly the lowest overall HRQOL (HRQOL scores were negatively correlated to asthma severity scores and positively correlated to pulmonary function parameters). However; both asthmatic children and their caregivers suffered significant lower total HRQOL, the caregivers had significant lower values compared to their asthmatic children (p < 0.05). Also, the differential perception of HRQOL of the assessed categories was significantly different between asthmatic children and their parents. In conclusion, childhood asthma leads to lowering the HRQOL of asthmatic children and their families; however parents are more vulnerable for worse quality of life. A14 Serum vitamin D levels and severe therapy resistant asthma in children A. Gupta1 , A. Bush1 , D. Richards2 , C. Hawrylowicz2 , S. Saglani1 . 1 Royal Brompton Hospital & NHLI, Imperial College, Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, London, UK; 2 King’s College MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, UK Background: Little is known about vitamin D levels and their impact on disease control in children with severe, therapy resistant asthma (STRA). Hypothesis: Children with STRA have lower serum vitamin D levels than non-asthmatic controls and lower vitamin D levels are associated with more severe asthma [symptoms, inhaled
S71
corticosteroid (ICS) treatment, and spirometry; and worse airway inflammation measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)]. Methods: We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 30 asthmatics and 16 non-asthmatic children; asthma severity was categorized using the asthma control test (ACT); ICS dose; spirometry; exhaled nitric oxide at 50 ml/s (FeNO50 ); BAL cytokines and CD25+ FoxP3 regulatory cells. Results: In asthmatics, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<75 nmol/L) was 90%, with 78% being vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L). All age-matched non-asthmatic controls were vitamin D insufficient with 50% being vitamin D deficient. Children with asthma had lower median 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels (36 nmol/L, range 3–83) as compared to age-matched non-asthmatic controls (48 nmol/L, range 25–72) (P = 0.03). There was a positive correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and asthma symptoms (ACT) (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and % predicted forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) (r = 0.3, P = 0.04). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly inversely associated with FeNO50 (r = −0.6, P = 0.001) and ICS usage (r = −0.4, P = 0.02). In children with STRA, a positive correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and BAL levels of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 (r = 0.51, P = 0.03) and CD25+ FoxP3 regulatory cells (r = 0.6, P = 0.02). No significant relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and BAL neutrophils and eosinophils Conclusion: In children with STRA reduced vitamin D levels are associated with worse symptoms and greater ICS usage, lower lung function, and more severe airway inflammation. Proof of concept that vitamin D deficiency causes steroid resistance requires intervention studies, but at the very least, on clinical grounds, vitamin D deficiency should be sought and treated in children with STRA. A15 Sleep study of respiratory parameters in asthmatic children M. Shaheen, A. El Husainy, M. El Khawaga. Ain Shams University Pediatric Department, Pulmonology Unit, Cairo, Egypt Background: Many asthmatic children get awake with symptoms of their disease almost every night. A growing body of evidence indicates that the causal pathway of cytokine changes resulting from asthma may influence the neurochemistry of sleep regulation. Equally possible is that sleep disturbance resulting from asthma promotes further changes in neuropeptides, which in turn influence the course of asthma. Asthma, airway inflammation, and sleep may thus be linked in a complex set of relationships in need for evaluation. Objectives: This observational cross sectional study was designed to monitor respiratory parameters during sleep in asthmatic children. Methods: Fifty Egyptian children were recruited for assessment, 30 known asthmatic children and 20 matched healthy controls. All the children were subjected for; detailed medical history including night symptoms, thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measures, pulmonary function testing and recording of respiratory parameters during sleep using non-invasive Apnea Link screening system (RESMED system). Results: History of recurrent night cough is found in 44% of asthmatic children, recurrent night wheezes in 77%, night snoring in 47%, night nasal obstruction in 53% and recurrent night dyspnoea in 17% of the studied asthmatic children. Repeated daytime naps were reported in 43% of children, sleep fragmentation in 40% and nocturnal awaking in 37% of children. Pathological Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI ≥ 1) was documented among 96% of asthmatic children compared to 3.33% of controls; and AHI showed a significant negative correlation to FEV1 values (r = −0.379, p = 0.01). Similarly, Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) ranged from 0 to 26 with mean
S72
Posters / Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 12S1 (2011) S67–S100
value 6.7±7 for asthmatic children compared to controls (range 0–4, mean 1.45±1.39). Conclusion: Asthmatic children are clearly liable for sleep related breathing disorders and those abnormalities are significantly related to the degree of airway obstruction. A16 Vitamin D serum levels and lung function in preschool wheezing infants A. Scaparrotta1 , C. Spagnuolo1 , N.P. Consilvio1 , A. Cingolani1 , S. Di Pillo1 , F. Chiarelli2 , M. Verini1 . 1 Allergological Service, Paediatric Clinic, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy; 2 Paediatric Department, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging problem in children with recurrent wheezing. Aim of this study was the evaluation of the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in preschool wheezing infants aged <3 years, in order to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels and respiratory function. 38 children (age range 5–27 months) with almost two wheezing episodes were studied with anamnestic questionnaire, lung function evaluation and serum vitamin D level (25-OH-D), PTH, calcium and phosphorus dosages. Respiratory function was evaluated by Tidal Breathing Flow Volume Loop analysis (TBFVL) during sleep, before and after 200 mg of salbutamol. The ratio between Peak Tidal Expiratory Flow Time and Expiratory Time (tPTEF/tE) and tidal volume (VT) were measured. 22/38 children (58%) had insufficient (<30 ng/ml) vitamin D levels and 10/22 (45%) showed levels <20 ng/ml. Our data showed a seasonal fluctuation in the levels of vitamin D: 19/22 children with insufficient values of vitamin D (86%) were evaluated during the fall/winter period; 3 (14%) during the spring; none during the summer. No statistically significant correlation was found between the type of lactation (breast milk or formula) and the levels of vitamin D. A statistically significant correlation was found between values of 25-OH-D and the use of vitamin supplements during pregnancy (p = 0.012). No correlation was found between the values of vitamin D and the tPTEF/tE, while a statistically significant correlation emerged between vitamin values D and tidal volume (TV) (5.87±1.34 ml/kg in patients with vitamin D <30 ng/ml vs 7.84±2.8 ml/kg in patients with vitamin D >30 ng/ml; p = 0.001). No correlation was found between post-bronchodilator positive response and vitamin D levels. This study shows that vitamin D levels are well correlated with tidal volume (VT) rather than tPTEF/tE, measure of airway obstruction.This may reflect how vitamin D is primarily involved in respiratory mechanics rather than in the pathogenesis of bronchial obstruction. The reduction of tidal volume may be the expression of a “rachitic lung”, with a respiratory function compromised by a pliable rib cage and muscle weakness. These data confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in the growth and development of the lung and in the acquisition of an adequate respiratory function.
B. Bronchopulmonary and pleural infections (including tuberculosis) B1 Acute bronchiolitis in former premature under 35 weeks of gestation S. Hamouda, S. Maghraoui, F. Tinsa, I. Brini, L. Karboul, Kh. Boussetta, S. Bousnina. Children’s Hospital Medicine B, Tunis, Tunisia Introduction: Bronchiolitis is a common disorder affecting younger and younger infants. The prevention of RSV bronchiolitis by
monoclonal antibodies has improved its prognosis in the former preterm less than 35 weeks of gestation in developed countries. In our country, this treatment is expensive and unavailable. The aim of our study is to assess the severity of bronchiolitis and its costs in this population. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to December 2009, 22 cases of bronchiolitis (first episode) in former preterm infants (≤35 weeks of gestation) and aged under 6 months were collected in the Department of Medicine B in Children’s Hospital of Tunis (4.1% of all hospitalization for bronchiolitis). For each infant, we have registered the clinical and radiological features and the outcome of the disease. The cost of each hospitalization was also calculated. Results: The mean age of our 22 patients was 80 days (24 d to 6 months). They were divided into 16 boys and 6 girls (sex ratio = 2.6). They had a mean term of 32 weeks of gestation (27–35) at birth. Three of them had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Half of the patients received breastfeeding. On admission, bronchiolitis was mild in 6 cases, moderate in 8 cases and severe in 8 other cases with frequent apnea in 6 cases. The average of hospital stay was 7 days (1–27 d). Eight patients (36%) required transfer to intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. About one third (7/22) of infants had a secondary bacterial infection. Two infants died after 9 and 10 days. Subsequently, 18 infants had a second episode of bronchiolitis and 2 developed asthma. The average of total cost of hospitalization was equal to 388 TD (30–1455 TD) [~€200 (€15–754)]. Conclusion: Bronchiolitis in former preterm less than 35 weeks of gestation is often severe requiring sometimes cumbersome and expensive treatment. The death rate seems high, but our sample is reduced. The contribution of anti-RSV monoclonal antibody could improve the prognosis of the disease. However its cost is much higher than that of hospitalization. B2 Acute-acquired pneumonia in children in hospital setting in Algeria R. Boukari1 , C. Kaddache1 , S. Touri1 , R. Mezeghrani1 , K. Mammeri1 , N. Benali Khoudja1 , M.L. Atif2 . 1 CHU Blida, Pediatrics, Blida, Algeria; 2 CHU Blida, Epidemiology, Blida, Algeria Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia remains a common and serious illness. It is the main causes of death in young children, especially in developing countries. Objectives: Determine epidemiological, clinical characteristics and outcome of acute acquired pneumonia in our hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from October 2008 to October 2010. All children (one month to 15 years old) admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of communityacquired pneumonia were included. Diagnosis criteria were: fever >38°C and/or acute respiratory symptoms and radiological opacity. Exclusion criteria were: age <1 month, nosocomial pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease. Results: There were 221 children (120 male, 101 female) with a mean age at admission of 11.9 (SD 20.5) months. 89 % were less than 2 years old. The most common clinical signs and symptoms were fever (79%), cough (72%), tachypnea (80%) and auscultation abnormalities (crackles, crepitations). The mean duration of symptoms before admission was 7 days. Severe symptoms were present, such as respiratory distress (38%), cyanosis (40%), lethargy (7%), unable to feed (12%), grunting (13%). 13% had partial immunization or lack of immunization. No one received pneumococcal vaccine (still not included in the national immunization program). 16% were underweight. The most common radiological finding was unilobar consolidation (57%), bilateral pneumonia was present in 31% of children and pleural effusion in 15%. Microbiological investigations are lacking in this study: Blood culture (14), thoracocentesis (21), sputum aspiration (4) were rarely performed and poorly contributive (positive 18%).