Pneumonia is the single largest cause of mortality in children under-five years of age, responsible for one in five deaths [1]. In 2010, there were an estimated 1 3 million deaths due to childhood pneumonia, one-quarter being in India. Among these, 81% of the deaths occurred in the first…
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The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4) calls for a reduction in childhood mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. A recent paper from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF’s Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group tracks worldwide progress in childhood mortality. The investigators found that the number of…
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A new meta-analysis has found that although statin use is associated with decreased mortality after pneumonia, this effect is weaker in certain subgroups. Statins may have positive effects on inflammation, which is the hallmark feature of pneumonia. Key Point: This new meta-analysis found that statin use is associated with decreased…
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India leads the world in childhood pneumonia incidence, with 43 million new cases per year, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose, especially in patients with lower respiratory complaints in settings where chest x-ray (CXR) testing is not available. Knowing the signs and…
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Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in the world. In India, a rise in pneumonia cases is noted during the monsoon season. Impaired immunity due to diabetes is considered to be a predisposing factor for a wide variety of infectious diseases, including pneumonia. Key Point: Patients with diabetes or…
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Of the more than 1 million infant deaths that occur each year in India, more than 25% are associated with serious bacterial infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Zinc deficiency has been linked to higher rates of infection and is a common problem for Indian children, particularly during their first…
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Burden of Severe Pneumonia, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Pneumonia Deaths in Indian States
Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years in India. The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4, which focuses on reduction of under-five mortality, has generated significant momentum for accurate assessment of…
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