Clinical Manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Infants

Choi, Yoo Mee; Kim, Jeong Hee; Kwon, Min Joong; Park, Soon Seong; Lim, Dae Hyun; Son, Byong Kwan

Abstract

PURPOSE
M. pneumoniae is knwon as a common causative agents of respiratory infection in school children. But, it tends to occur in infants and younger children recently. This study was performed to evaluate the incidence and clinical manifestations of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in infants. METHOD: A total of 142 children(33 infants{Group I : Infants group; 0-2 years} and 109 children{Group II : Children group; 3-6 years}) was admitted with M. pneumoniae pneumonia from January through December 1998. We reviewed medical records and evaluated the incidence, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. RESULT: Number of patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia in 0 to 2 years of age(infants group) comprised 23.2% of the total in contrast to 57.1% in 3 to 6 years of age group and 19.7% in 7 to 12 years of age group. Seasonal distribution showed the highest frequency in autumn in infant and children groups(45.5% and 39.4% respectively). The most frequent symptom was cough(90.9% and 96.3%, respectively), followed by sputum(81.8% and 90.8%, respectively), fever(72.7% and 66.0%, respectively) and rhinorrhea(72.7% and 64.0%, respectively). The common physical findings on admission were crackle(84.8% and 80.7%, respectively), wheezing(30.3% and 18.3%, respectively) and throat injection(39.4% and 35.8%, respectively). WBC count was within normal range in both groups(90.9% and 89%, respectively) and CRP was lower than 0.8 mg/dL in 63.6% of infant group and 54.1% of children group. The most common radiologic finding was bronchopneumonia in both groups (47% and 38%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Number of the patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in infants age from 0 to 2 years comprised 23.2% of the total. Clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumonia in infants were similar to those of older children. We recommened Mycoplasma pneumoniae should be considerd as a causative agent even in infant with respiratory infection.