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Estimates of the disease burden from childhood pneumonia are available for most developed countries, but they are based mainly on models. Measured country-specific pneumonia burden data are limited to a few nations and differ in case definitions and case ascertainment methods.

We reviewed the literature for studies describing childhood pneumonia incidence in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Available estimates suggest that each year in developed countries there are up to 2.6 million cases of pneumonia, including 1.5 million hospitalized cases and around 3,000 pneumonia deaths (compared with approximately 640 annual deaths from meningitis) in children less than 5 years of age.

Data to inform policy decisions would be improved by information on burden and etiology of severe pneumonia, population-based incidence of ambulatory visits and hospitalizations, and prevalence of complications and sequelae.

Pulmonary fibrosis is the end stage of many diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. It is characterised by excessive matrix formation leading to destruction of the normal lung architecture and finally death. Despite an exponential increase in our understanding of potentially important mediators and mechanisms, the delineation of primary pathways has proven to be elusive.

In this paper susceptibility and injurious agents such as viruses and gastroesophageal reflux and their likely role in initiating disease are discussed. Further topics that are elaborated are candidate ancillary pathways, including immune mechanisms, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of the coagulation cascade and the potential role of stem cells. The paper will try to provide the reader with an integrated view on the current knowledge and attempts to provide a road map for future research.It is important to explore robust models of overall pathogenesis, reconciling a large number of clinical and scientific observations.

We believe that the integration of current data into a "big picture" overview of fibrogenesis is essential for the development of effective antifibrotic strategies. The latter will likely consist of a combination of agents targeting a number of key pathways.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a highly infectious virus that commonly causes bronchiolitis and leads to high morbidity and a low, but important, incidence of mortality. Supportive therapy is the foundation of management. Hydration/nutrition and respiratory support are important evidence-based interventions. For children with severe disease, continuous positive airway pressure or mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Ribavirin may be used for treatment of patients with severe disease. Palivizumab provides important ongoing immunoprophylaxis during epidemic months for high-risk infants. Caregiver education and incorporating an explanation of all therapies and anticipatory guidance, including strategies for reducing the risk of infection, are vital. (Source: Critical Care Nursing Clinics ...

Conclusions  Chest X-rays performed at the bedside are the most widely used imaging method in the follow-up of critically ill patients. DE is approximately 84.5%. Radiologists should maintain familiarity with the interpretation of this examination. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Chest Radiology / Radiologia ToracicaPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11547-012-0886-6Authors V. Palazzetti, Dipartimento di Radiologia, Università “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ospedali Riuniti “Torrette-Lancisi-Salesi”, Via Conca 7, 60125 Ancona, ItalyE. Gasparri, Dipartimento di Radiologia, Università “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ospedali Riuniti “Torrette-Lancisi-Salesi”, Via Conca 7, 60125 Ancona, ItalyC. Gambini, Dipartimento di Radiologia, Università “Politecnica delle Marc...