Clinical Predictors Of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections

Abstract

Children aged between 5 months and 5 years with a history of cough of less than 2 weeks duration were examined in the Observation Ward of the Kenyatta National Hospital. The presence of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) was confirmed using chest radiographs.

Sixty percent of the 1500children examined had radiological evidence of ALRI.

Of the single symptoms and signs studied,/increased

tory rate had the highest correlation with the presence of ALRI. The combination of respiratory rate, temperature, nasal flaring and crepitations had the best predictive value in the diagnosis of ALRI