Clinical and viral profile of children admitted in the paediatric intensive care unit due to severe acute respiratory infection during seasonal surge from a tertiary care centre in Eastern India

Background: Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis are a leading cause of morbidity mortality in young children worldwide. Aetiology is mostly viral infection or bacterial infection. Objectives: To study various clinical characteristics among different age groups profiling requiring intensive care due to ALRI. Method: Children between 1 month 12 years, who satisfied the case definition severe acute (SARI) were shifted paediatric unit (PICU) for ventilatory support included study. All subjected history taking, detailed examination, required blood investigations, oropharyngeal nasopharyngeal swab testing. Results: Of total 46 cases 32 (69.5%) <1 year age, 11 (24%) 5 years 3 (6.5%) above age. There 17 (36.9%) deaths. was 2.3 times more risk death absence exclusive breastfeeding (OR- 2.3, 95% CI= 0.6-7.9) 2.2 higher immunization 2.2, CI=0.6-7.9). Mortality significantly associated with mechanical ventilation (p<0.0001). comorbidities (OR-17, 2-146), 4.7 congenital heart disease (CHD) (OR-4.7 95%CI= 1-22) 1.3 pre-existing central nervous system (CNS) abnormality (OR-1.33, CI=0.3-6.8). From panel, 18 (41%) samples positive virus detection. Conclusions: In this 69.5% SARI infants. 36.9%. statistically significant increased breastfeeding, immunization, use ventilation, presence comorbidities, CHD CNS abnormality. Sri Lanka Journal Child Health, 2023: 52(2): 175-181