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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Radiological Role, Drug Utilization and Associated ADRs in Pediatric Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Retrospective Study

Itha Lingamurthy, Alekhya Arudra, Prashanth Kumar Patnaik and Randhi Venkata Ramana
Page: 573-578 | Received 25 Nov 2024, Published online: 17 Jan 2025

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.573.578

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Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children are a major global cause of morbidity and their successful management requires an integration of pharmacological and radiological interventions. Understanding the prevalence of LRTIs, radiological findings, drug use patterns and related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) could potentially improve diagnosis, treatment strategies and patient outcomes. The medical records of 260 children who received treatment for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) at a tertiary care hospital were used in this observational and retrospective study. Patient demographics, radiological findings, imaging timing and clinical indications were among the information gathered from the records. Treatment patterns were evaluated by analyzing prescribed medicines, including the use of antibiotics and related adverse drug reactions (ADRs). 260 pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) were examined in the study. They were divided into three age groups: 1‐12 months (50.0%), 12‐36 months (34.6%) and 36‐60 months (15.4%). The most prevalent diseases were Viral pneumonia (23%) and bronchiolitis (24%). The most frequent pattern in radiological results was consolidation (46.9%). Peribronchial thickening is the most common feature in mild viral pneumonia cases (59.5%), while diffuse air space and lobar consolidations are linked to 63.6% of severe cases. Early imaging (<48 hours) significantly improved diagnostic accuracy (91%) and led to more treatment changes (86%) compared to delayed imaging (>48 hours). According to drug utilisation patterns, antibiotics were administered the most (81.5%) with common adverse drug reaction diarrhoea. In conclusion, this study identifies important clinical and demographic variables that affect how pediatric lower respiratory tract infections are managed. The results highlight the advantages of early imaging in enhancing diagnostic precision and directing therapy modifications and they highlight distinct radiological patterns associated with the severity of the disease. Drug utilisation studies revealed frequently used medications, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, bronchodilators and corticosteroids and associated ADRs. By understanding these patterns healthcare providers can enhance the outcomes for pediatric patients.

How to cite this article:

Itha Lingamurthy, Alekhya Arudra, Prashanth Kumar Patnaik and Randhi Venkata Ramana. Radiological Role, Drug Utilization and Associated ADRs in Pediatric Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Retrospective Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.573.578
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.573.578