ASSESSMENT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION AS AN EFFICACIOUS THERAPY ON CHILDREN PRESENT PNEUMONIA

In the present study, we attempted to know the efficacious role of zinc supplementation among children (<2 years of age) who present pneumonia. The study was conducted at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagnoor, Karimnagar, from November 2019 to October 2021. The data were collected through history and clinical examination, and the zinc was estimated as per standard protocol. In this study, the population predominantly had crepts 90.4%, Of these 7 (4 in group Aand 3 in group B) belonged to severe pneumonia. About 78.0% belonged to the severe pneumonia group and 22% belonged to the non- severe pneumonia group. The zinc efficacy in this study may be because most of our children belong to severe pneumonia. The mean time for the disappearance of danger signs was 43.3 hrs. in group A and 62.8 hrs. in group B without significant change (p=0.246). The average time taken to reach oxygen saturation of more than 90% percent was less in group A. The mean time was 23.9 hrs. in group A and in group B it was 45.8 hrs. without significant change (p=0.130). The mean time for resolution of distress is 52.48 hrs. in group A when compared with 74.47 hrs. in group B in which the comparison observed significant change (p=0.05). The mean time required for group Ato become asymptomatic was 65.52 hrs. and 88.00 hrs. in group B with a significant difference (p= 0.05). The duration of hospital stay was less in group A when compared with group B. It took about 6.14 days in group A and 7.14 days for group B, the comparison was non-significant (p= 0.368). In conclusion, zinc supplements are efficacious among the children presenting pneumonia.