Nursing Home–Associated Pneumonia

Poor Oral Health in the Etiology and Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia (AP), inflammation of the lung parenchyma initiated by aspirated microorganisms into the lower airways from proximal sites, including the oral cavity, is prevalent in, and problematic for, the elderly, especially those in institutions, and for those with several important risk factors. Many factors influence the pathogenesis of AP, including dysphagia, poor oral hygiene, diminished host defense, and underlying medical conditions. This article reviews the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of AP, focusing on the role of poor oral health as a risk factor for, and on dental care for the prevention and management of, this important infection.

Impact of nursing home-acquired pneumonia on the domains of the novel construct of intrinsic capacity: The INCUR study

BACKGROUND

Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) and related hospitalizations might lead to abrupt functional declines, especially among nursing home residents. Intrinsic capacity is a novel construct proposed by the World Health Organization specifically designed to capture the physical and cognitive capacities of the aging individual to design personalized interventions. This study aimed to investigate the associations of NHAP and related hospitalizations with several intrinsic capacity domains among nursing home residents.

METHODS

We used data from the INCUR study (n = 754; mean age = 86.1 ± 7.4; 75.2% female). Four intrinsic capacity domains were assessed through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, locomotion), Abbreviated Mental Test (cognition), 10-items Geriatric Depression scale (GDS-10, mood), the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (vitality) at three time-points along 1-year. Linear mixed models were used to analyze longitudinal evolution in the intrinsic capacity domains according to NHAP diagnosis and hospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 161 (21.4%) were diagnosed with NHAP, and 46 of them (28.6%) required hospitalization. NHAP was significantly associated with declines in the intrinsic capacity vitality domain (β = -0.51; 95% CI -0.84; -0.18). The association was also found for NHAP-related hospitalization (β = -0.97; 95% CI -1.46; -0.48). NHAP-related hospitalization was also associated with worsening in the psychological domain (β = 0.56; 95% CI 0.08; 1.04). No other significant associations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

NHAP and related hospitalization are associated with the deterioration of intrinsic capacity vitality and psychology domains. Prevention of pneumonia may result in better functional evolution in very old and vulnerable nursing home residents.

Using the Oral Assessment Guide to Predict the Onset of Pneumonia in Residents of Long-Term Care and Welfare Facilities: A One-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Appropriate oral health care, depending on oral assessments, reduces the onset of pneumonia. However, the relationship between risk evaluation using an oral assessment tool and pneumonia in residents of long-term care facilities has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aim to examine the relationship between the total scores of the Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) and the incidence of pneumonia after a one-year baseline study of residents in long-term care facilities. The settings for sampling include nine long-term care facilities in Hokkaido. At baseline, there were 267 study subjects. A total of 72 individuals dropped out and 11 individuals met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, the subject sample included 184 individuals. Among the subjects included in our analyses, eight individuals developed pneumonia (six males and two females). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with the risk factors for developing pneumonia. Evaluations were performed based on the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We observed that the OR for pneumonia onset was 2.29 (CI: 1.27-4.14) after being adjusted for pneumonia risk factors. Therefore, it was suggested that the total scores of the OAG could be used to screen for the risk of pneumonia onset in residents of long-term care and welfare facilities.

Protein C activity as a potential prognostic factor for nursing home-acquired pneumonia

Introduction

Despite the poor prognosis for nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP), a useful prognostic factor is lacking. We evaluated protein C (PC) activity as a predictor of in-hospital death in patients with NHAP and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

This prospective, observational study included all patients hospitalized with pneumonia between July 2007 and December 2012 in a single hospital. We measured PC activity at admission and investigated whether it was different between survivors and non-survivors. We also examined whether PC activity < 55% was a predictor for in-hospital death of pneumonia by logistic regression analysis with CURB-65 items (confusion, blood urea >20 mg/dL, respiratory rate >30/min, and blood pressure <90/60 mmHg, age >65). When it was a useful prognostic factor for pneumonia, we combined PC activity with the existing prognostic scores, the pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB-65, and analyzed its additional effect by comparing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the modified and original scores.

Results

Participants comprised 75 NHAP and 315 CAP patients. PC activity was lower among non-survivors than among survivors in NHAP and all-pneumonia (CAP+NHAP). PC activity <55% was a useful prognostic predictor for NHAP (Odds ratio 7.39 (95% CI; 1.59–34.38), and when PSI or CURB-65 was combined with PC activity, the AUC improved (from 0.712 to 0.820 for PSI, and 0.657 to 0.734 for CURB-65).

Conclusions

PC activity was useful for predicting in-hospital death of pneumonia, especially in NHAP, and became more useful when combined with the PSI or CURB-65.

Associations Between Intrinsic Capacity and Adverse Events Among Nursing Home Residents: The INCUR Study

OBJECTIVES

The predictive ability of the novel intrinsic capacity (IC) construct has been scarcely investigated in the nursing home setting. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of IC and its individual domains with mortality, hospitalization, pneumonia onset, and functional status decline in a population of nursing home residents (NHRs).

DESIGN

We undertook an analysis using data from the INCUR study, a prospective observational study. Data were collected at baseline, at 6 and 12 months by trained staff.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 371 NHRs (mean age 85.91 ± 7.34) dwelling in Southern France.

METHODS

A baseline IC composite score was constructed from scores in the Short Physical Performance Battery, Abbreviated Mental Test, 10-item Geriatric Depression Scale, The Short Form of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, and self-reported hearing and vision impairments. Adverse outcomes were registered by medical records checking. Functional status evolution was evaluated through changes in the Katz Index. Cox regression was used for associations between IC and its domains and adverse outcomes. Linear mixed models were used in the case of functional status evolution.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed associations between a composite score of IC and death [hazard ratio 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.73] and functional status evolution (β = 0.14; 95% CI 0.018-0.29) in our population. Although greater values in IC vitality/nutrition domain were associated with survival (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.70-0.99), IC cognitive domain was associated with decreased odds of hospitalization (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.99) and lower declines in functional status (β = 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.07), whereas the IC locomotion domain was inversely associated with pneumonia incidence (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.72-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results contribute to preliminary evidence linking greater IC levels and lower risk of late-life adverse outcomes.

Poor Oral Health in the Etiology and Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia (AP), inflammation of the lung parenchyma initiated by aspirated microorganisms into the lower airways from proximal sites, including the oral cavity, is prevalent in, and problematic for, the elderly, especially those in institutions, and for those with several important risk factors. Many factors influence the pathogenesis of AP, including dysphagia, poor oral hygiene, diminished host defense, and underlying medical conditions. This article reviews the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of AP, focusing on the role of poor oral health as a risk factor for, and on dental care for the prevention and management of, this important infection.

Nursing Home-Associated Pneumonia, Part I: Diagnosis

Pneumonia is 1 of the 3 most common infections identified in nursing home residents and is associated with the highest mortality of any infection in this setting. In regard to pneumonia in the nursing home setting, practitioners are focused primarily on identifying residents with this infection and choosing a treatment regimen. In this article, the diagnosis of this infection is addressed. Based on published studies and clinical experience, "bedside criteria" for the diagnosis of nursing home-associated pneumonia (NHAP) are proposed that are based primarily on objective respiratory signs and symptoms that can be readily identified by staff. It is also stressed that factors predisposing to aspiration should be identified because there is a risk for aspiration pneumonitis. A previously published decision tool to distinguish between aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis is discussed. Because providers are often not present when there is a change in status of a resident, nursing staff are crucial to the diagnosis of NHAP. However, there is variability in staff experience and the ability to obtain and communicate clinical findings to assist providers in making decisions about diagnosis. To deal with this issue, templates have been developed to help staff collect the appropriate information before contacting the provider. The most important diagnostic test in a resident with suspected pneumonia is a chest radiograph. However, studies done more than a decade ago demonstrated considerable variability in radiologists' interpretation of chest radiographs of residents performed in the nursing home. Radiologic techniques have improved considerably with utilization of digital technology, but there have been no recent studies to determine if interpretation of these radiographs is more consistent. An alternative to radiographs is lung ultrasonography, which has been found to be more accurate than chest radiographs in identifying pneumonia in adults; however, this method has not been studied in the nursing home setting. Host biomarkers such as serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels have been studied in adults with pneumonia to distinguish between bacterial and nonbacterial infection, but there has been limited study in NHAP and the findings are conflicting. Lastly, it is stressed that the provider should carefully document the clinical findings and testing that result in a diagnosis of pneumonia to enhance surveillance for infection as well as antimicrobial stewardship activities.

Bacterial Pneumonia in Older Adults

The incidence of pneumonia increases with age, and is particularly high in patients who reside in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Mortality rates for pneumonia in older adults are high and have not decreased in the last decade. Atypical symptoms and exacerbation of underlying illnesses should trigger clinical suspicion of pneumonia. Risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms are more common in older adults, particularly among LTCF residents, and should be considered when making empiric treatment decisions. Monitoring of clinical stability and underlying comorbid conditions, potential drug-drug interactions, and drug-related adverse events are important factors in managing elderly patients with pneumonia.

Microbiologic profile of hospitalized healthcare workers

Objective: according to the epidemiologic and antimicrobial resistance profile, infections are usually classified as community-acquired or nosocomial. Reports on patients without the classic criteria for nosocomial infection with multidrug-resistant germs are increasing. There is a particular concern regarding which microbiological profile must be addressed in case of infections in healthcare workers. This study was carried out with the purpose of identifying the prevalence of infection by multidrug-resistant germs in healthcare workers exposed to occupational contact with such germs at work. Methods: observational and retrospective study. In a 7-year period, healthcare worker hospitalizations were identified and the cultures results were assessed in order to identify the prevalence of infection by multidrug-resistant pathogens. Results: 1,487 healthcare workers hospitalizations were identified. In 105 of these hospitalizations, cultures were collected on the first 5 days after admission, and in 22 patients, 24 germs were identified. Multidrug-resistant pathogens were not found. Conclusion: in our sample, composed of workers from a tertiary public hospital who were hospitalized, none of the individuals presented MDR colonization or infection. These results suggest that when healthcare workers present infections, they must receive antibiotic therapy directed to community-acquired pathogens. In light of the limitations of this study, further larger and multicenter studies must be developed to enlighten such issue.

Oral health disparities in older adults: oral bacteria, inflammation, and aspiration pneumonia

Poor oral hygiene has been suggested to be a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in the institutionalized and disabled elderly. Control of oral biofilm formation in these populations reduces the numbers of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral secretions, which in turn reduces the risk for pneumonia. Together with other preventive measures, improved oral hygiene helps to control lower respiratory infections in frail elderly hospital and nursing home patients.

Risk of Pneumonia in Elderly Nursing Home Residents Using Typical Versus Atypical Antipsychotics

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic medications are extensively used in nursing homes for management of behavioral and psychiatric disorders in the elderly. Prior research suggests that pneumonia is one of the common causes of anti psychotic-related mortality in this population. None of the studies compared typical and atypical antipsychotics with respect to pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk of pneumonia with use of typical versus atypical antipsychotics in dual eligible elderly nursing home residents.

METHODS

The study involved a retrospective cohort design matched on propensity score using Medicare and Medicaid Analytical eXtract data from 4 US states. The study population included all elderly dual eligible (Medicaid and Medicare) nursing home residents (aged ≥65 years) who initiated antipsychotics any time between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003. The risk of pneumonia during the 6-month follow-up period was modeled using a Cox proportional model and extended Cox hazard model stratified on matched pairs based on propensity score, using atypical agents as the reference category.

RESULTS

Analysis of Medicaid-Medicare data revealed that there were 49,904 new antipsychotic (46,293 atypical and 3611 typical) users in the unmatched cohort and 7218 (3609 atypical and 3609 typical) users in the matched cohort. The unadjusted rate of pneumonia was 8.17% (4.61 events per person year) for atypical users and 5.21% (5.21 events per person year) for typical users. The results of Cox regression (average hazard ratio [HR] 1.24; 95% CI 0.94–1.64) and extended regression (<50 days: HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.83–1.66; and 50–180 days: HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.87–2.14) suggest that there was no significant difference in the risk of pneumonia among typical and atypical users.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found no differential risk of pneumonia between typical versus atypical antipsychotic use in dual eligible nursing home residents. Given the differential risk of mortality with typical and atypical antipsychotic use in nursing homes, more research is needed to evaluate other contributory factors of mortality with respect to these 2 antipsychotic classes.

Elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia: optimal treatment strategies

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease that still causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Elderly people are frequently affected, and several issues related to care of this condition in the elderly have to be considered. This article reviews current recommendations of guidelines with a special focus on aspects of the care of elderly patients with CAP. The most common pathogen in CAP is still Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by other pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella species. Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem, especially with regard to macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains. With regard to β-lactam antibacterials, resistance by H. influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis is important, as is the emergence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The main management decisions should be guided by the severity of disease, which can be assessed by validated clinical risk scores such as CURB-65, a tool for measuring the severity of pneumonia based on assessment of confusion, serum urea, respiratory rate and blood pressure in patients aged ≥65 years. For the treatment of low-risk pneumonia, an aminopenicillin such as amoxicillin with or without a β-lactamase inhibitor is frequently recommended. Monotherapy with macrolides is also possible, although macrolide resistance is of concern. When predisposing factors for special pathogens are present, a β-lactam antibacterial combined with a β-lactamase inhibitor, or the combination of a β-lactam antibacterial, a β-lactamase inhibitor and a macrolide, may be warranted. If possible, patients who have undergone previous antibacterial therapy should receive drug classes not previously used. For hospitalized patients with non-severe pneumonia, a common recommendation is empirical antibacterial therapy with an aminopenicillin in combination with a β-lactamase inhibitor, or with fluoroquinolone monotherapy. With proven Legionella pneumonia, a combination of β-lactams with a fluoroquinolone or a macrolide is beneficial. In severe pneumonia, ureidopenicillins with β-lactamase inhibitors, broad-spectrum cephalosporins, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are used. A combination of a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibacterial (e.g. cefotaxime or ceftriaxone), piperacillin/tazobactam and a macrolide is mostly recommended. In patients with a predisposition for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, imipenem or meropenem and levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin is frequently used. Treatment duration of more than 7 days is not generally recommended, except for proven infections with P. aeruginosa, for which 15 days of treatment appears to be appropriate. Further care issues in all hospitalized patients are timely administration of antibacterials, oxygen supply in case of hypoxaemia, and fluid management and dose adjustments according to kidney function. The management of elderly patients with CAP is a challenge. Shifts in antimicrobial resistance and the availability of new antibacterials will change future clinical practice. Studies investigating new methods to detect pathogens, determine the optimal antimicrobial regimen and clarify the duration of treatment may assist in further optimizing the management of elderly patients with CAP.

Variation in mortality rates among long-term care facilities for residents with lower respiratory tract infection

OBJECTIVE

To identify variables contributing to interfacility differences in mortality among residents of long-term care facilities who have lower respiratory tract infection.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, 1-year observational study.

SETTING

Twenty-one long-term care facilities in 4 geographic areas of Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Residents of long-term care facilities prescribed antimicrobials for treatment of lower respiratory tract infection.

METHODS

Mortality rates were calculated for 3 definitions of lower respiratory tract infection: episodes with a clinical or radiographic diagnosis and treated with antimicrobials (definition 1); episodes with a physician diagnosis of pneumonia (definition 2); and episodes with chest radiography findings consistent with pneumonia (definition 3). Multilevel modeling was used to evaluate variables describing premorbid resident status, clinical presentation, management, and facility characteristics. Multivariable models were developed to identify independent predictors of mortality and determine whether facility-level variables remained independently associated with mortality rate after incorporation of individual-level variables.

RESULTS

Facility mortality rates varied from 0% to 17.8% for definition 1, from 0% to 47.1% for definition 2, and from 0% to 37.5% for definition 3. There were significant differences in mortality rate depending on which definition was used; for definitions 1 and 2, there were significant differences in mortality rate across facilities. Poorer premorbid resident status and a more severe presentation remained independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable analysis. There were also significantly increased mortality rates for episodes in which a fluoroquinolone was prescribed for initial treatment. For definitions 1 and 3, facility-level variables remained independently associated with mortality rate in the final multivariable model.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of mortality due to lower respiratory tract infection varied among long-term care facilities and differed within a facility, depending on the definition applied. Variables describing premorbid resident status, severity of presentation, and management did not fully explain the variation in mortality rate. Some facility-level variables remained independent predictors of mortality.