Evaluation of the Management of Infant Respiratory Distress at the CNHU-HKM Pediatric Emergency Department ()
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Respiratory
distress (RD) is a major emergency to which infants are particularly vulnerable.
It can lead to neurological sequelae and even death when treatment is not adequate
and rapid. Objective: To evaluate the management of RD in infants at the
CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. Methods: The study was of a transversal and analytical
nature and took place over a period of 06 months, from 1st January to 30th June
2015. Included in the study were all infants hospitalised for DR. The therapeutic
modalities were analysed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Results: A total of 96 infants were included. The hospital frequency of DR
was 38%. The average age was 12 months. One in 3 infants had SaO2 less
than 90% on admission, and in 58.3% of cases, the infant showed at least 3 signs
of struggle. The initial assessment was as recommended. The systematic use of oxygenrequires
a revision of the criteria for oxygentherapy in the unit. The three main causes were severe pneumonia (31.3%), severe malaria (18.8%)
and bronchiolitis (15.6%), and their treatment was correct. However, none of the
infants had been able to benefit from ventilatory support. Mortality was high (31.2%)
linked to the intensity of DR (p = 0.04) and sepsis (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of RD in infants at the CNHU
are fairly consistent with WHO guidelines. Ventilatory support is necessary for
some children with severe RD.
Share and Cite:
Zohoun, L. , Gnacadja, H. and Sagbo, G. (2021) Evaluation of the Management of Infant Respiratory Distress at the CNHU-HKM Pediatric Emergency Department.
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
11, 161-169. doi:
10.4236/ojped.2021.112015.
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