Co-morbidities in children hospitalized for community acquired pneumonia in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background : Pneumonia is one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in developing countries. These children are also at risk of other morbidities, thus, increasing the morbidity and mortality. Objective : This study was conducted to examine the prevalence and pattern of co-morbidities in children admitted for community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Maiduguri. Methodology : All children admitted into the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, in 2011, with CAP were prospectively followed until discharge or death. The children were evaluated for co-morbidities clinically and by examination of appropriate specimen where necessary. Result : A total of 115 children aged one month to 14 years were admitted for CAP during the study period. While majority of the children studied were underfive; 107 (93%), 65(56.5%) were males, 101 (87.8%) had one or multiple co morbidities, with about half of them 58 (50.4%) afflicted by malaria. Pre admission medication was commoner for orthodox than traditional medication. No significant difference in mortality outcome was however noticed between children with co-morbidity and those without comorbidity, p > 0.05. Conclusion : The occurrence of comorbid conditions among children hospitalized for CAP in Maiduguri is common; however, the presence of co-morbidity did not significantly affect the mortality outcome of their management. It is recommended that the presence of comorbidity be actively looked for in children hospitalized for pneumonia, so as to effect holistic treatment, and improve the outcome of management. Keywords : Pneumonia, Children. Co-morbidity, Maiduguri, Mortality outcome