0
0
A recent study conducted at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has raised concerns about the heightened risk of post-discharge mortality among children in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who have recovered from severe pneumonia. The study, titled ‘High post-discharge mortality in children with severe pneumonia in two states of Northern India,’ was published in Lancet Asia in December.
Led by Professor Shally Awasthi, former head of the paediatrics department at KGMU, and Dr AK Pandey, the study tracked 934 children under the age of five who had been hospitalized for severe pneumonia. The research covered a network of 117 hospitals in Lucknow, Etawah, Patna, and Darbhanga.
Key findings from the study include:
- National In-Hospital Mortality Rate: The national in-hospital mortality rate among children with pneumonia is 1.9%.
- Post-Discharge Mortality Rate: More than 3% of children succumb to pneumonia within three months after being discharged from the hospital.
- Vulnerability Factors: Infants, children with congenital heart disease, malnourished children, and those residing in rural areas are more susceptible to post-discharge mortality.
The study sheds light on the critical need for medical follow-up and post-discharge care for children recovering from severe pneumonia. The findings highlight the importance of addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring comprehensive healthcare measures to reduce post-discharge mortality rates in these regions.
