Hypoxaemia prevalence and its adverse clinical outcomes among children hospitalised with WHO-defined severe pneumonia in Bangladesh
Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, Aniqa Tasnim Hossain, Mohammod Jobayer Chisti, David H. Dockrell, Harish Nair, Shams El Arifeen, Harry Campbell
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With an estimated 1 million cases per year, pneumonia accounts for 15% of all under-five deaths globally, and hypoxaemia is one of the strongest predictors of mortality. Most of these deaths are preventable and occur in low- and middle-income countries. Bangladesh is among the six high burden countries with an estimated 4 million pneumonia episodes annually. There is a gap in updated evidence on the prevalence of hypoxaemia among children with severe pneumonia in high burden countries, including Bangladesh. METHODS: < 90% on admission. The secondary outcome of interest was adverse clinical outcomes defined as deaths during hospital stay or referral to higher-level facilities due to clinical deterioration. RESULTS: < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The high burden of hypoxaemia and its clinical outcomes call for urgent attention to promote oxygen security in low resource settings like Bangladesh. The availability of pulse oximetry for rapid identification and an effective oxygen delivery system for immediate correction should be ensured for averting many preventable deaths.