Necrotizing pneumonia refers to necrosis of lung parenchyma resulting from an infection. There is little national literature on this complication.

Objective: To characterize patients with necrotizing pneumonia at the Roberto del Río Children´s Hospital between 2014 to 2020.

Method: Retrospective and descriptive review.

Results: A total of 22 patients, average age 4 years 7 months, male (68%). Average incidence 1.3% in 7 years; 95.5% had fever 59% had respiratory distress and cough. Average duration of hospitalization was 31 days and antibiotic treatment 30.3 days. A 63% of the patients had surgery. Leukocytosis and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated, 71.4% CRP > 90 mg /L (average: 211 mg /L) and 52.3% leukocytosis > 15.000 (average: 18.127). Chest ultrasound was used in 95.5%. Main agents identified were Streptococcus pneumoniae (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (40%). A 63.6% of patients were admitted to ICU, 35.7% required invasive mechanical ventilation, 35.7% received vasoactive drugs, 9% required ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), and one patient died (4,5%).

Discussion:  In our study we found a low incidence of this pathology, a high severity index an a favorable evolution in most cases.

Key words: Necrotizing pneumonia, pneumonia, pediatrics, complicated pneumonia.