Pediatrics World Conference 2026

Abstract

Introduction:

Pakistan’s under-five mortality is alarming, with pneumonia as one of the leading causes.
There is a lack of data reflecting the true burden of viral lower respiratory tract infections from developing countries, including Pakistan.
We aim for this study to describe the epidemiology and outcome of viral lower respiratory infection.

Methodology:

This was cross-sectional data. We identified 15 different non-COVID viral respiratory pathogens. All children who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. The study participants were assigned a unique study identification number to maintain confidentiality. Data was collected on a structured proforma. Data was entered and analysed in SPSS version 23. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the characteristics of individuals and demographic features. A crosstab was performed to analyze the outcome and association between exposure (respiratory pathogens) and outcome, i.e., discharged home or died. The statistical association was assessed between different factors, i.e., viral respiratory pathogens, with invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, and mortality. A p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results:
Among 234 patients, (n=187, 80%) had positive viral PCR. Males were predominant (n=137, 58%). The most common respiratory pathogen was the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (n=62, 26%) followed by entero/rhinovirus (n=24, 10%). Half of the patients (n=92, 50%) patients had pediatrics intensive care (PICU) stay, and all required non-invasive mechanical ventilation (hi-flow). One-fifth of patients, (n=34,18%) required invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support.
Overall, (n=8, 4%) patients with positive viral PCR died during the hospital stay. All the patients had associated comorbidity, i.e., global developmental delay, congenital heart disease, metabolic disorder, and septic shock (pan-resistant Acinetobacter).

Conclusion:

• RSV is the most common pathogen identified.
• Early use of non-invasive respiratory support is vital to management.
• High cost of diagnostic test (nasal PCR) remains another significant challenge in establishing an accurate diagnosis in sick children in LMIC countries.