Radiografía de tórax y estancia hospitalaria en pacientes pediátricos con infecciones respiratorias bajas

Introduction: The acute respiratory tract infection has high rates of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, with more than 2 million deaths per year. The chest radiograph plays a major role in the diagnosis of suspected pneumonia and the detection of complications. Bogota is 2,640 meters above sea level, which makes the population more susceptible to hypoxemia. Objective: To identify whether the chest radiograph on admission in children younger than five years of age with acute lower respiratory tract infection, predicts hospital length of stay. Material and methods: A cohort study was carried out in hospitalized patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection. We compare the main radiographic findings versus the length of hospital stay. A multiple linear regression model was used to rule out confounders. Results: 196 patients were included. The bivariate and multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between the days of hospital stay and the variables: consolidation on admission chest X-ray, fever, lower age and requirement of home O₂. No relationship was found to the final clinical diagnosis or other radiological findings. Conclusion: A consolidation on the admission chest X-ray, in addition to other variables such as lower age at admission, fever and the need for home oxygen, is a good predictor of longer hospital stay in children with a low acute respiratory infection.