[Severe pneumonia due to cytomegalovirus in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Cytomegalovirus-associated pulmonary exacerbation in patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease characterised by recurrent respiratory tract infections and progressive respiratory failure. It remains one of the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive conditions affecting Caucasians. Recent studies have highlighted the association between respiratory viral infections and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations, increase antibiotic usage and poorer outcome [1, 2].

CMV is an unusual cause of pulmonary exacerbation in immunocompetent individuals with CFhttp://ow.ly/Rdds30hlnjV

Antibiotic de-escalation principle in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with severe pneumonia

The present study investigated the clinical effect of antibiotic de-escalation therapy in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with severe pneumonia. According to the parity method of hospitalization number, 86 cases were selected and divided into the observation and control group with 43 cases each. Based on empirical antibiotic application, levofloxacin and cephalosporin antibiotics were used in the control group. After treatment for 3 days, the regimen was adjusted to antibiotics active against Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G-) bacteria such as the third or fourth generation cephalosporin antibiotics, combined with aminoglycoside, or macrolide antibiotics according to their effects. The treatment effects were re-evaluated after 3–7 days. Finally, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as imipenem were chosen or adjusted by bacterial cultures and drug sensitivity results in the control group. Patients in the observation group were treated according to the principle of antibiotic de-escalation therapy. Antibiotics active against G+ and G- bacteria were chosen as the first round of medication. After 3 days, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as imipenem were added to the treatment regimen. After 7 days, the treatment was changed to narrow spectrum antibiotic administration if the disease was in remission, and the antibiotic regimen was adjusted based on bacterial culture and drug sensitivity results. The treatment results were compared. The mechanical ventilation rate, antibiotic courses, number of antibiotics used, and mortality of the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, lung function improved, partial pressure of oxygen and blood oxygen saturation increased, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide decreased in both groups. The improvement of all of the above parameters were more significant in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the ratio of neutrophils over white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels of the two groups decreased, respiratory failure index (RFI) increased, and the changes were significantly more pronounced in the observation group (P<0.05). In conclusion, following the antibiotic de-escalation principle to treat older patients with COPD complicated with severe pneumonia can reduce the number of antibiotics required, improve lung function and clinical effects, and is safe and effective.

Emergency treatment and nursing of children with severe pneumonia complicated by heart failure and respiratory failure: 10 case reports

Pneumonia refers to lung inflammation caused by different pathogens or other factors, and is a common pediatric disease occurring in infants and young children. It is closely related to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of infants and young children and is more frequent during winter and spring, or sudden changes in temperature. Pneumonia is a serious disease that poses a threat to children's health and its morbidity and mortality rank first, accounting for 24.5-65.2% of pediatric inpatients. Due to juvenile age, severe illness and rapid changes, children often suffer acute heart failure, respiratory failure and even toxic encephalopathy at the same time. The concurrence in different stages of the process of emergency treatment tends to relapse, which directly places the lives of these children at risk. Severe pneumonia constitutes one of the main causes of infant mortality. In the process of nursing children with severe pneumonia, intensive care was provided, including condition assessment and diagnosis, close observation of disease, keeping the airway unblocked, rational oxygen therapy, prevention and treatment of respiratory and circulatory failure, support of vital organs, complications, and health education. The inflammatory response was proactively controlled, to prevent suffocation and reduce mortality. In summary, positive and effective nursing can promote the rehabilitation of children patients, which can be reinforced with adequate communication with the parents and/or caretakers.