Outcome of Fast Breathing in Young Infants (0–59 Days Old) Classified as Pneumonia Treated With Oral Amoxicillin

Abstract

Objective: To see the outcome of fast breathing young infants aged between 0 and 59 days
classified as pneumonia treated with oral amoxicillin.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Liaquat
University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad, over a period of six
months. Infants of either gender, aged 0 to 59 days, presenting with fast breathing and
diagnosed with pneumonia, who refused hospital admission and presented to the Department
of Paediatrics were included. Patients were treated with oral amoxicillin at a dose of 100
mg/kg/day. Follow-up was done at 48 hours to monitor clinical status. The primary outcome
was defined as “cured” if the infant’s respiratory rate was ?60 breaths per minute after seven
days of oral therapy. Infants showing complications were shifted to injectable antibiotics and
referred for admission, while others continued oral treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS
version 22.0
RESULTS: The mean age of studied infants was 26.65±15.28 days. There were
145(69.05%) male and 65(30.95%) female. Cure rate was significantly higher after treatment
with oral amoxicillin at 100mg per kg day (<2kg are given 75mg per kg per day) that is
63.81%. here was no significant difference in cure rates by age group (p = 0.083) or gender (p
= 0.274), but cure rates were significantly higher in term infants compared to preterm (p =
0.007).
Conclusion: For cases of fast breathing in young infants without signs of severe infection,
oral amoxicillin has proven to be an effective alternative to injectable therapy, particularly
when referral is refused or not feasible.
Key Words: Pneumonia, Oral amoxicillin, Fast breathing