BRONCHOPNEUMONIA IN A 5-MONTH-OLD INFANT ASSOCIATED WITH ANAEMIA: A CASE REPORT
Keywords:
Bronchopneumonia, anaemia, infant, blood transfusion, case reportAbstract
Introduction: Acute lower respiratory tract infections, particularly bronchopneumonia, remain a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. The coexistence of bronchopneumonia and anaemia creates a harmful physiological synergy that significantly accelerates respiratory distress and increases the risk of severe clinical outcomes. This case report aims to highlight the necessity of simultaneously assessing respiratory and haematological parameters to optimise clinical recovery in young infants.
Case Presentation: A 5-month-old boy was referred to the hospital with worsening shortness of breath, lethargy, fever, and a rattling cough after three days of treatment at a community health centre. Physical examination revealed tachypnoea, oxygen saturation of 90% on nasal cannula oxygen, chest wall retractions, bilateral rales, and decreased skin turgor. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis and severe microcytic hypochromic anaemia. A chest X-ray revealed patchy supra- and parahilar infiltrates on the right side, confirming the diagnosis of bronchopneumonia.
Management and Outcome: The patient received supportive care, including oxygen therapy, fluid and nutritional support. Pharmacological therapy included broad-spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin and gentamicin), packed red blood cell transfusion, and symptomatic medications. The patient's clinical condition improved significantly, with resolution of respiratory distress, fever, and diarrhoea. Haemoglobin levels normalised, and the patient was discharged in good condition after a 5-day hospital stay.
Discussion: The case illustrates the clinical complexity of bronchopneumonia complicated by significant anaemia in a young infant. Bronchopneumonia impairs alveolar gas exchange, while anaemia reduces total oxygen-carrying capacity, exacerbating tissue hypoxia. A comprehensive approach—comprising appropriate treatment of the respiratory infection, respiratory support, correction of clinically significant anaemia, and subsequent investigation into the underlying cause of anaemia—is essential to optimise clinical recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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