Longitudinal Analysis of Pediatric Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Insights from
a Five-Year Study
Abstract
Introduction : This study aims to assess trends in the epidemiology of
pneumococcal pneumonia in children aged 0-18 over a five-year period
(2019-2024), including pre- and post-COVID eras. Secondary aim is to
monitor a surgical approach used in the treatment. Tertiary aims include
analyzing demographic factors, clinical characteristics, treatment
regimens, and outcomes. The study also presents the multidisciplinary
care required for complicated pneumonia. Methods : This retrospective
single-center study was conducted at a tertiary Thomayer University
Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic. A review and analysis of the medical
records of children aged 0-18 diagnosed with pneumonia between 01/2019
and 09/2024 was conducted. The data pertaining to pneumonias caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae were subjected to statistical
description in accordance with trends in incidence, clinical features,
treatment outcomes, the necessity for surgical intervention and
antibiotic resistance patterns. Three comprehensive figures, which
illustrate the extent of pathological changes in the most complicated
patients from this study, are provided herewith. Results : Significant
trends in the incidence and management of pneumococcal pneumonia were
observed over the five-year period. There were notable differences
between the pre- and post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) eras. A
statistically significant increase was observed in the overall number of
cases of pneumococcal pneumonia and their complicated necrotizing forms,
which led to surgical management, as demonstrated in figures.
Conclusion : A single-center five-year trend analysis of pneumonias in
children offers insights into epidemiological patterns, risk factors,
and treatment outcomes. Furthermore, this analysis discusses several
potential explanations for the rising incidence of pneumonias caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae. The findings highlight the importance
of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases, with a
particular focus on the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques.