Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia diagnosed by general practitioners in the community

Fiberoptic Endoscopy Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) Findings Associated with High Pneumonia Risk in a Cohort of Patients at Risk of Dysphagia

Aspiration detected in the fiberoptic endoscopy evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been inconsistently associated with pneumonia, with no evidence of the risk of pneumonia from other alterations in swallowing safety detected in FEES. We conducted a dynamic, ambidirectional cohort study involving 148 subjects at risk of dysphagia in a tertiary university hospital. Our aim was to determine the risk of pneumonia attributed to alterations in swallowing safety detected during FEES. We used multivariate negative binomial regression models to adjust for potential confounders. The incidence density rate (IR) of pneumonia in patients with tracheal aspiration of any consistency was 26.6/100 people-years (RR 7.25; 95% CI: 3.50-14.98; P < 0.001). The IR was 19.7/100 people-years (RR 7.85; 95% CI: 3.34-18.47; P < 0.001) in those with laryngeal penetration of any consistency and 18.1/100 people-years (RR 6.24; 95% CI: 2.58-15.09; P < 0.001) in those with pharyngeal residue of any consistency. When adjusted for aspiration, the association of residue and penetration with pneumonia disappeared, suggesting that their risk of pneumonia is dependent on the presence of aspiration and that only aspiration is independently associated with pneumonia. This increased risk of pneumonia was significant in uni- and multivariate negative binomial regression models. We found an independently increased risk of pneumonia among patients with dysphagia and aspiration detected during FEES. Alterations in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing, without aspiration, did not increase the risk of pneumonia.

Health effects associated with exposure to secondhand smoke: a Burden of Proof study

Despite a gradual decline in smoking rates over time, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) continues to cause harm to nonsmokers, who are disproportionately children and women living in low- and middle-income countries. We comprehensively reviewed the literature published by July 2022 concerning the adverse impacts of SHS exposure on nine health outcomes. Following, we quantified each exposure-response association accounting for various sources of uncertainty and evaluated the strength of the evidence supporting our analyses using the Burden of Proof Risk Function methodology. We found all nine health outcomes to be associated with SHS exposure. We conservatively estimated that SHS increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and lung cancer by at least around 8%, 5%, 1% and 1%, respectively, with the evidence supporting these harmful associations rated as weak (two stars). The evidence supporting the harmful associations between SHS and otitis media, asthma, lower respiratory infections, breast cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was weaker (one star). Despite the weak underlying evidence for these associations, our results reinforce the harmful effects of SHS on health and the need to prioritize advancing efforts to reduce active and passive smoking through a combination of public health policies and education initiatives.

Social network and severe lower respiratory tract infections in older adults: findings from a Swedish longitudinal population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between social network and the risk and prognosis of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in older adults.

METHODS

Data from Swedish hospital records were matched with the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Social network was operationalized as social connections and social support, based on different self-reported variables, and categorized as low, medium, and high. The risk of severe LRTI and related outcomes were assessed using Cox, Poisson, and logistic regression models where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 362 individuals experienced LRTI-related hospitalizations between 2001 and 2016 (479 total hospitalizations). High levels of social support decreased the hazard of incident LRTI by 29% (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.96), the hospital length of stay by 21% (incidence rate ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97), and the risk of 30-day mortality by 92% (odds ratio 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.68), but was a risk factor for 30-day readmission (odds ratio 3.16, 95% CI 1.38-7.24). High levels of social connections were associated with a higher risk of incident LRTI in women and those with dementia and/or slow walking speed (P_interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Older individuals' quality of social support seems to be a stronger determinant of LRTI incidence and prognosis than the quantity of their social connections. These findings may inform evidence-based policies aimed at preventing LRTIs in older adults.

Asthma and COVID-19: Emphasis on Adequate Asthma Control

Asthmatics are at an increased risk of developing exacerbations after being infected by respiratory viruses such as influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and human and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV). Asthma, especially when poorly controlled, is an independent risk factor for developing pneumonia. A subset of asthmatics can have significant defects in their innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immunity arms, which may explain the increased susceptibility to infections. Adequate asthma control is associated with a significant decrease in episodes of exacerbation. Because of their wide availability and potency to promote adequate asthma control, glucocorticoids, especially inhaled ones, are the cornerstone of asthma management. The current COVID-19 pandemic affects millions of people worldwide and possesses mortality several times that of seasonal influenza; therefore, it is necessary to revisit this subject. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can potentiate the development of acute asthmatic exacerbation with the potential to worsen the state of chronic airway inflammation. The relationship is evident from several studies that show asthmatics experiencing a more adverse clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection than nonasthmatics. Recent studies show that dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid, and other inhaled corticosteroids significantly reduce morbidity and mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Hence, while we are waiting for more studies with higher level of evidence that further narrate the association between COVID-19 and asthma, we advise clinicians to try to achieve adequate disease control in asthmatics as it may reduce incidences and severity of exacerbations especially from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prognosis of pneumonia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the role of medication and disease activity prior to admission a population-based cohort study

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience an increased risk of infections, but the prognosis of infections is unclear. We examined if patients with RA have worse outcomes from pneumonia than non-RA individuals.

Methods

In a population-based cohort study, we computed 90-day mortality rates and crude and adjusted HRs comparing pneumonia patients with and without RA. Among patients with RA, we evaluated prognostic effects of RA medications including prednisolone and disease activity as assessed by C reactive protein (CRP) or platelet levels measured 30–180 days before admission to avoid any influence from the subsequent infection.

Results

Among 52 577 patients hospitalised for the first time with pneumonia, 1220 (2.3%) had RA. The 90-day mortality was 19.9% for patients with RA and 18.9% for non-RA patients (adjusted 90-day HR of 1.05 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.19)). Compared with CRP levels <8 mg/L, CRP levels ≥20 mg/L predicted increased mortality in patients with RA with adjusted 90-day HRs of 4.98 (95% CI 2.19 to 11.36). Compared with methotrexate monotherapy, both prednisolone (HR 1.43 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.22)) and no RA therapy (HR 1.35 (95% CI 0.85 to 2.14)) tended to increase 90-day mortality. Compared with patients who used prednisolone and had low CRP levels, high CRP predicted increased mortality both in patients who used prednisolone (HR 3.09, 95% CI 1.25 to 7.65) and those who did not (HR 2.35, 95% CI 0.94 to 5.87).

Conclusions

Overall, RA does not increase mortality following hospitalisation for pneumonia. However, high RA disease activity prior to admission predicts increased pneumonia mortality in patients regardless of prednisolone use.

Incidence and Outcomes of Pneumonia in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

The incidence of pneumonia and subsequent outcomes has not been compared in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the rate and impact of pneumonia in the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and PARAGON-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction) trials.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the incidence of investigator-reported pneumonia and the rates of HF hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death before and after the occurrence of pneumonia, and estimated risk after the first occurrence of pneumonia in unadjusted and adjusted analyses (the latter including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide).

RESULTS

In PARADIGM-HF, 528 patients (6.3%) developed pneumonia after randomization, giving an incidence rate of 29 (95% CI: 27 to 32) per 1,000 patient-years. In PARAGON-HF, 510 patients (10.6%) developed pneumonia, giving an incidence rate of 39 (95% CI: 36 to 42) per 1,000 patient-years. The subsequent risk of all trial outcomes was elevated after the occurrence of pneumonia. In PARADIGM-HF, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the risk of death from any cause was 4.34 (95% CI: 3.73 to 5.05). The corresponding adjusted HR in PARAGON-HF was 3.76 (95% CI: 3.09 to 4.58).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pneumonia was high in patients with HF, especially HFpEF, at around 3 times the expected rate. A first episode of pneumonia was associated with 4-fold higher mortality. (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure [PARADIGM-HF], NCT01035255; Prospective Comparison of ARNI [Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor] With ARB [Angiotensin Receptor Blocker] Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction [PARAGON-HF], NCT01920711).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

People with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for infections than those without type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to examine the association between type 2 diabetes and the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest theses and dissertations, Global Health, the Global Index Medicus of the World Health Organization, and Google Scholar. We included observational studies published in English or French between Jan. 1, 1946 (start of MEDLINE) and July 18, 2020. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed quality using the ROBINS-I tool. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models were used to pool estimates of the association between type 2 diabetes and CAP.

RESULTS

Our systematic review included 15 articles, reporting on 13 cohort studies and 4 case-control studies (14 538 968 patients). All studies reported an increased risk of pneumonia among patients with type 2 diabetes, and all were at serious risk of bias. When estimates were pooled across studies, the pooled relative risk was 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-1.73); although there was a substantial amount of relative heterogeneity (I 2 94.2), the amount of absolute heterogeneity was more modest (T2 0.008). The relative risk was 1.70 (95% CI 1.63-1.77, I 2 85.2%, T2 0.002) among cohort studies (n = 13), and the odds ratio was 1.54 (95% CI 1.14-2.09, I 2 92.7%, T2 0.07) among case-control studies (n = 4).

INTERPRETATION

Type 2 diabetes may be associated with an increased risk of CAP; however, the available evidence is from studies at serious risk of bias, and additional, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42018116409.

Influencing Factors of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Infection in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients With Schizophrenia

Introduction: Pneumonia is an important cause of death in patients with schizophrenia. It is critical to understand the risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and determine prevention strategies to reduce HAP. The aim of this study is to elucidate the risk factors for HAP in the middle-aged and elderly hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,617 the middle-aged and elderly patients (age ≥ 50) with schizophrenia who were admitted for the first time to a large-scale psychiatric hospital between 2016 and 2020. The factors related to the incidence of HAP in patients were analyzed, including personal characteristics, antipsychotics, and non-antipsychotics. Results: The HAP infection rate of hospitalized the middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia was 7.8%. Chi-square analyses showed that older age, male, and ≥60 days of hospitalization were risk factors for HAP infection (χ² = 94.272, p < 0.001; χ² = 22.110, p < 0.001; χ² = 8.402, p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression showed that quetiapine, clozapine, and olanzapine significantly increased the incidence of HAP (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.05-2.32, p = 0.029; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.26-2.60, p = 0.001; OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.16-2.42, p = 0.006). Antipsychotic drugs combined with aceglutamide had an effect on HAP (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.38-3.47, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The high HAP infection rate in hospitalized the middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia may be related to the increase of age and the use of antipsychotic drugs. The types and dosages of antipsychotic drugs should be minimized while paying attention to the mental symptoms of patients.

The Prevalence of Anticholinergic Drugs and Correlation with Pneumonia in Elderly Patients: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan

Anticholinergic drugs may increase the risk of serious respiratory infection, especially in the elderly. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of anticholinergic drugs and the correlation of incident pneumonia associated with the use of anticholinergic drugs among the elderly in Taiwan. The study population was 275,005 elderly patients aged ≥65 years old, selected from the longitudinal health insurance database (LHID) in 2016. Among all the elderly patients, about 60% had received anticholinergic medication at least once. Furthermore, the study selected elderly patients who had not been diagnosed with pneumonia and had not received any anticholinergic drugs in the past year in order to evaluate the correlation between pneumonia and anticholinergic drugs. The study excluded elderly patients who died or had received related drugs of incident pneumonia during the study period and selected elderly patients receiving anticholinergic drugs as the case group. Propensity score matching (PSM) on a 1:1 scale was used to match elderly patients that were not receiving any anticholinergic drugs as the control group, resulting in a final sample of 32,215 patients receiving anticholinergic drugs and 32,215 patients not receiving any anticholinergic drugs. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between anticholinergic drugs and pneumonia after controlling for potential confounders. Compared with patients not receiving anticholinergic drugs, the adjusted odds ratio of patients receiving anticholinergic drugs was 1.33 (95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 1.49). Anticholinergic medication is common among elderly patients in Taiwan. Elderly patients receiving anticholinergic drugs may increase their risk of incident pneumonia. The safety of anticholinergic drugs in the elderly should be of concern in Taiwan.

Estimating the Risk of Pneumonia in Patients With Schizophrenia Newly Receiving Clozapine: A Nationwide Cohort Study

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia are vulnerable to pneumonia. Clozapine is associated with the greatest risk of pneumonia. We investigated the risk factors of pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia who use clozapine.

METHODS/PROCEDURES

We used a large cohort of patients with schizophrenia (N = 22,774) who newly use clozapine (baseline). We divided the data set into a training cohort (entry between 1998 and 2008, n = 18,496) and test cohort (entry between 2009 and 2012, n = 4278), where 483 and 168 patients developed pneumonia requiring hospitalization within 1 year after baseline, respectively. For prediction, we developed a static model using Cox proportional hazards regression and a dynamic model using Cox regression with time-dependent modeling. Areas under receiver operating curves (AUCs) for the predictive model were estimated in the training cohort and then in the test cohort for validation.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

Based on the baseline characteristics, the static model for predicting pneumonia in 3 periods (90, 180, and 365 days) was unsatisfactory (AUCs, 0.64, 0.64, and 0.65, respectively). The predictors were older age, male sex, history of nonpsychiatric hospitalization, dementia, asthma, and tuberculosis within 1 year before baseline. However, the results were improved (AUCs, 0.83, 0.79, and 0.77, respectively) after control for time-dependent variables, namely, duration of clozapine use and concomitant medications (ie, benzodiazepines, valproic acid, systemic corticosteroids).

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

Several risk factors for predicting subsequent pneumonia after initial use of clozapine were explored, including older age, male, history of nonpsychiatric hospitalization, dementia, asthma, tuberculosis, benzodiazepines, valproic acid, systemic corticosteroids, and the use duration of clozapine. Clinical staff can use the risk factors to administer evidence-based treatment.

Pneumonia: host susceptibility and shared genetics with pulmonary function and other traits

Pneumonia is a common and severe infectious lung disease. Host genetics, together with underlying medical and lifestyle conditions, determine pneumonia susceptibility. We performed a secondary analysis of the results of two genome-wide studies for pneumonia in 23andMe participants (40 600 cases/90 039 controls) (Tian et al., 2017) and UK Biobank (BB) participants (12 614 cases/324 585 controls) (via the Global Biobank Engine) and used the GTEx database to correlate the results with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) data in lung and whole blood. In the 23andMe pneumonia single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) set, 177 genotyped SNPs in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region satisfied the genome-wide significance level, P ≤ 5·0E-08. Several target genes (e.g. C4A, VARS2, SFTA2, HLA-C, HLA-DQA2) were unidirectionally regulated by many HLA eSNPs associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. In lung, C4A transcript was up-regulated by 291 pneumonia risk alleles spanning the half the HLA region. Among SNPs correlated with the expression levels of SFTA2 and VARS2, approximately 75% overlapped: all risk alleles were associated with VARS2 up-regulation and SFTA2 down-regulation. To find shared gene loci between pneumonia and pulmonary function (PF), we used data from the Global Biobank Engine and literature on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of PF in general populations. Numerous gene loci overlapped between pneumonia and PF: 28·8% in the BB data set and 49·2% in the 23andMe data set. Enrichment analysis within the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) and National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute (NHGRI-EBI) Catalog of pneumonia and pneumonia/PF gene sets identified significant overlap between these gene sets and genes related to inflammatory, developmental, neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular and obesity-related traits.

Validity of the diagnosis of pneumonia in hospitalised patients with COPD

Rationale

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia are two of the most common reasons for acute hospital admissions. Acute exacerbations and pneumonia present with similar symptoms in COPD patients, representing a diagnostic challenge with a significant impact on patient outcomes. The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of radiographic consolidation with the discharge diagnoses of hospitalised COPD patients.

Methods

COPD patients admitted to three UK hospitals over a 3-year period were identified. Participants were included if they were admitted with an acute respiratory illness, COPD was confirmed by spirometry and a chest radiograph was performed within 24 h of admission. Pneumonia was defined as consolidation on chest radiograph reviewed by two independent observers

Results

There were 941 admissions in 621 patients included in the final analysis. In 235 admissions, consolidation was present on chest radiography and there were 706 admissions without consolidation. Of the 235 admissions with consolidation, only 42.9% had a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia; 90.7% of patients without consolidation had a discharge diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. The presence of consolidation was associated with increased rate of high-dependency care admission, increased mortality and prolonged length of stay. Inhaled corticosteroid use was associated with recurrent pneumonia.

Conclusions

Pneumonia is underdiagnosed in patients with COPD. Radiographic consolidation is associated with worse outcomes and prolonged length of stay. Incorrect diagnosis could result in inappropriate use of inhaled corticosteroids. Future guidelines should specifically address the diagnosis and management of pneumonia in COPD.

Pneumonia is common in hospitalised COPD patients but is frequently not recognised and underdiagnosed. This has implications for the correct risk stratification and treatment of COPD patients.http://bit.ly/2HTfIKo

Pneumonia hospitalisation and case-fatality rates in older Australians with and without risk factors for pneumococcal disease: implications for vaccine policy

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) results in substantial numbers of hospitalisations and deaths in older adults. There are known lifestyle and medical risk factors for pneumococcal disease but the magnitude of the additional risk is not well quantified in Australia. We used a large population-based prospective cohort study of older adults in the state of New South Wales (45 and Up Study) linked to cause-specific hospitalisations, disease notifications and death registrations from 2006 to 2015. We estimated the age-specific incidence of CAP hospitalisation (ICD-10 J12-18), invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) notification and presumptive non-invasive pneumococcal CAP hospitalisation (J13 + J18.1, excluding IPD), comparing those with at least one risk factor to those with no risk factors. The hospitalised case-fatality rate (CFR) included deaths in a 30-day window after hospitalisation. Among 266 951 participants followed for 1 850 000 person-years there were 8747 first hospitalisations for CAP, 157 IPD notifications and 305 non-invasive pneumococcal CAP hospitalisations. In persons 65-84 years, 54.7% had at least one identified risk factor, increasing to 57.0% in those ⩾85 years. The incidence of CAP hospitalisation in those ⩾65 years with at least one risk factor was twofold higher than in those without risk factors, 1091/100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1060-1122) compared with 522/100 000 (95% CI 501-545) and IPD in equivalent groups was almost threefold higher (18.40/100 000 (95% CI 14.61-22.87) vs. 6.82/100 000 (95% CI 4.56-9.79)). The CFR increased with age but there were limited difference by risk status, except in those aged 45 to 64 years. Adults ⩾65 years with at least one risk factor have much higher rates of CAP and IPD suggesting that additional risk factor-based vaccination strategies may be cost-effective.

Inhaled Corticosteroids in Asthma and the Risk of Pneumonia

Purpose

Asthma is a common disease that is expensive and burdensome for patients. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most important drugs for asthma treatment and are often prescribed long-term. However, the use of ICS has been reported to increase pneumonia, though this remains controversial. We evaluated whether the use of ICS increases the risk of pneumonia in asthmatic patients using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database in Korea.

Methods

The Asthma Management Adequacy Assessment was performed by the HIRA in Korea. Patients with claimed insurance benefits for asthma disease codes and who were prescribed asthma medications more than 2 times were enrolled. Patient demographics, asthma medications, healthcare use, and complications were analyzed.

Results

The total number of asthma patients was 831,613. Patients using ICS were older and had more comorbidities than those not using ICS; they also visited outpatient clinics and emergency departments, and were more often hospitalized. Pneumonia and other complications occurred more often in patients using ICS, and they used more respiratory medications, except for theophylline. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ICS prescription was associated with pneumonia (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.41). Age, sex, medical care, use of secondary and tertiary hospitals, and hospitalization due to asthma in the previous year were also associated with pneumonia.

Conclusions

ICS use was associated with increasing pneumonia in asthmatic patients in Korea. Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge that the use of ICS may increase the risk of pneumonia and should be meticulously monitored in asthmatics.

Risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia

AIM

Pneumonia is a major cause of death in patients with schizophrenia. Preventive strategies based on identifying the risk factors are needed to reduce pneumonia-related mortality. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of consecutive patients with schizophrenia admitted to Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital during a four-year period from January 2014 to December 2017. We analyzed the clinical differences between patients with and without pneumonia.

RESULTS

Of the 2209 patients enrolled, 101 (4.6%) received the diagnosis of pneumonia at the time of hospital admission while 2108 (95.4%) did not have pneumonia. Multivariable analysis to determine the risk factors related to pneumonia showed that the use of atypical antipsychotics had the highest odds ratio among the predictive factors (2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-17.7; P = 0.046), followed by a total chlorpromazine equivalent dose ≥600 mg (2.6; 95% CI 1.7-4.0; P < 0.001), body mass index <18.5 kg/m² (2.3; 95% CI 1.6-3.6; P < 0.001), smoking history (2.0; 95% CI 1.3-3.1; P < 0.001), and age ≥50 years (1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.6; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that advanced age, underweight, smoking habit, use of atypical antipsychotics, and large doses of antipsychotics were risk factors for pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia. Among these factors, it was unclear whether the use of antipsychotics was a direct cause of pneumonia due to is uncertain because our retrospective study design. However, our result might be a good basis of further study focused on reducing pneumonia-related fatalities in schizophrenic patients with pneumonia.

Drugs that increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a major cause of morbidity and mortality, is the leading infectious cause of death in the developed world. Population-based studies and systematic reviews have identified a large number of risk factors for the development of pneumonia in adults. In addition to age, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities, some forms of pharmacotherapy may also increase the risk for CAP.

AREAS COVERED

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were used in 2017 to search for case-control, cohort studies, as well as randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis that involved outpatient proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), antipsychotics, oral antidiabetics, and CAP diagnosis in patients aged >18 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Our review confirmed that the use of ICSs, PPIs or antipsychotic drugs was independently associated with an increased risk for CAP. We also identified a positive association between specific oral antidiabetics and the development of pneumonia.

Economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia among elderly patients: a Japanese perspective

Background

This study aimed to estimate the economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among elderly patients in Japan. In addition, the study evaluated the relationship between total treatment cost and CAP risk factors.

Methods

An administrative database was searched for elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) who had pneumonia (ICD-10 code: J12–J18) and an antibiotic prescription between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2015. The all-cause total healthcare costs of outpatient and inpatient CAP episodes were calculated.

Results

This study evaluated data from 29,619 patients with CAP who experienced 14,450 outpatient CAP episodes and/or 20,314 inpatient CAP episodes. The mean ages were 77.5 ± 8.0 years and 81.5 ± 8.2 years among the outpatient and inpatient groups, respectively. The median treatment costs were US$346 (interquartile range: $195–551) per outpatient episode and US$4851 (interquartile range: $3313–7669) per inpatient episode. More severe cases had increased treatment costs at the treating hospitals. Male sex, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and liver dysfunction were associated with increased total treatment costs, while dementia, dialysis, and rheumatism were associated with high costs of treating a CAP episode.

Conclusions

The economic burden of CAP might be decreased by reducing the number of hospitalizations for mild CAP and the incidence of severe CAP. Therefore, preventative care (e.g. oral hygiene or pneumococcus vaccination) is recommended for patients with related risk factors, such as male sex, older age, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver dysfunction, rheumatism, dementia, or dialysis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41479-017-0042-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia among adults in Kenya: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide; however, the risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in Africa are not well characterized.

METHODS

The authors recruited 281 cases of community-acquired pneumonia and 1202 hospital controls among patients aged ≥15 years who attended Kilifi District Hospital/Coast Provincial General Hospital in Kenya between 1994 and 6. Cases were admissions with an acute illness with ≥2 respiratory signs and evidence of consolidation on a chest radiograph. Controls were patients without signs of pneumonia, frequency matched by age, sex and hospital. Risk factors related to socio-demographic factors, drug use, clinical history, contact patterns and exposures to indoor air pollution were investigated by questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and laboratory assays. Associations were evaluated using a hierarchical logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Pneumonia was associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% CI 1.44-3.08), anemia (OR 1.91, 1.31-2.74), splenomegaly (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.14-3.41), recent history of pneumonia (OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.66-12.5), history of pneumonia >2 years previously (OR 17.13, 95% CI 5.01-60.26), coryza in the 2 weeks preceding hospitalization (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.44-3.03), current smoking (2.19, 95% CI 1.39-3.70), use of khat (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.72-7.15), use of snuff (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.35-5.49) and contact with several animal species. Presence of a Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar was associated with protection (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.82). The risk factors varied significantly by sex.

CONCLUSION

Pneumonia in Kenyan adults was associated with global risk factors, such as HIV and smoking, but also with specific local factors like drug use and contact with animals. Intervention strategies should account for sex-specific differences in risk factors.

Impact of COPD on outcomes in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: Analysis of the Spanish national hospital discharge database (2004-2013)

AIM

To examine trends in incidence and outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospitalizations among patients with or without COPD in Spain (2004-2013).

METHODS

We used national hospital discharge data to select all hospital admissions for CAP. Incidence was calculated overall and according to the presence or absence of COPD.

RESULTS

We identified 901,136 hospital admissions for CAP (32.25% with COPD). Incidence of hospitalizations of CAP increased significantly over time among patients with and without COPD, but it was higher among people with COPD for all years analyzed. S. pneumoniae decreased over time for both groups. Time trend analyses showed significant decreases in mortality during admission for CAP for patients with and without COPD. Factor independently associated with higher mortality in both groups included: male sex, older age, higher comorbidity, isolation of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa, use of mechanical ventilation, and readmission. The presence of COPD was associated with a lower in-hospital mortality (IHM) (OR: 0.58, 95%CI 0.57-0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of hospitalizations for CAP increased over time in patients with and without COPD, being higher in the COPD population for all years analyzed. IHM decreased over time in both groups. There were no differences in mortality between COPD and non-COPD patients.

Validation and incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with type 2 diabetes in the BIFAP database

Oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) have been associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to validate the recording of CAP in the Spanish Database for Pharmacoepidemiological Research in Primary Care (BIFAP) for the future evaluation of OAD-CAP association. The incidence rate (IR/1000 person-years) of CAP in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was also determined. In total, 2966 pneumonia records (2040 listed as diagnosis and 926 as identified from comments added by physicians) were identified from 76 009 patients with T2DM after the first OAD in 2002-2013. Data around the CAP date were reviewed: 1803 (60·9%) were classified as 'probable CAP' (confirmed by X-ray/laboratory, referral letters or CAP lung site); 589 (19·8%) as 'no-case' (486 had other illness, 78 previous CAP, 25 cancer); and 574 (19·4%) as 'possible CAP' (441 without confirmatory information, 133 with uncertain diagnosis or uncertain diagnosis date). In total, 74·2% and 31·4% of pneumonia records in the diagnosis and comments, respectively, were 'probable cases' (IR: 6·04), which increased to 90·5% and 42·9%, respectively, when the 441 'possible cases' without confirmatory information were included (IR: 7·52). In summary, diagnosis had a high positive predictive value, and adding cases automatically detected from comments decreased that value significantly.

Pneumonia and inflammation in acute decompensated heart failure: a registry-based analysis of 1939 patients

Background:

The prognostic impact of pneumonia and signs of systemic inflammation in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not been fully elucidated yet. The aim of the present study was thus to investigate the association of pneumonia and the inflammation surrogate C-reactive protein with all-cause mortality in patients admitted for ADHF.

Methods:

We analysed data of 1939 patients admitted for ADHF. Patients were dichotomised according to the presence or absence of pneumonia. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality was determined by death registry linkage.

Results:

In total, 412 (21.2%) patients had concomitant pneumonia. Median C-reactive protein levels were higher in patients with compared to patients without pneumonia (24.9 versus 9.8 mg/l, respectively; P<0.001). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with pneumonia ( P<0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, pneumonia as well as C-reactive protein were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Only C-reactive protein remained as independent predictor for long-term mortality.

Conclusion:

Pneumonia is relatively common in ADHF and a predictor for in-hospital mortality. However, inflammation in general seems to be more important than pneumonia itself for long-term prognosis. Compared to community-acquired pneumonia studies, C-reactive protein levels were rather low and therefore pneumonia might be over-diagnosed in ADHF patients.

Risk factors for pneumonia among patients with Parkinson's disease: a Taiwan nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, few studies have been performed to explore the risk factors for pneumonia development in patients with PD.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study of patients with PD to identify the risk factors for these patients developing pneumonia. Participants with newly diagnosed PD between 2000 and 2009 were enrolled from the 2000-2010 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We compared patients with PD with an incidence of hospitalization with pneumonia vs those without, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of pneumonia.

RESULTS

Of the 2,001 enrolled patients (mean follow-up duration 5.8 years, range: 2.7-14.7 years), 381 (19.0%) had an incidence of hospitalization with pneumonia during the study period. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified older age group (≥80 years of age, hazard ratio [HR] =3.15 [95% confidence interval 2.32-4.28]), male sex (HR =1.59 [1.29-1.96]), certain geographic regions (northern, HR =1.36 [1.04-1.78], southern and eastern, HR =1.40 [1.05-1.88]), rural areas (HR =1.34 [1.05-1.72]), chronic heart failure (HR =1.53 [1.02-2.29]), and chronic kidney disease (HR =1.39 [1.03-1.90]) as risk factors for hospitalization with pneumonia in patients with PD. However, treatment for dental caries was a protective factor (HR =0.80 [0.64-0.99]).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlight risk factors that are associated with hospitalization with pneumonia, and, for the first time, suggest a link between treated dental caries and a diminished risk of hospitalization with pneumonia in patients with PD.

Professions and Working Conditions Associated With Community-Acquired Pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is not considered a professional disease, and the effect of different occupations and working conditions on susceptibility to CAP is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether different jobs and certain working conditions are risk factors for CAP.

METHODOLOGY

Over a 1-year period, all radiologically confirmed cases of CAP (n=1,336) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=1,326) were enrolled in a population-based case-control study. A questionnaire on CAP risk factors, including work-related questions, was administered to all participants during an in-person interview.

RESULTS

The bivariate analysis showed that office work is a protective factor against CAP, while building work, contact with dust and sudden changes of temperature in the workplace were risk factors for CAP. The occupational factor disappeared when the multivariate analysis was adjusted for working conditions. Contact with dust (previous month) and sudden changes of temperature (previous 3 months) were risk factors for CAP, irrespective of the number of years spent working in these conditions, suggesting reversibility.

CONCLUSION

Some recent working conditions such as exposure to dust and sudden changes of temperature in the workplace are risk factors for CAP. Both factors are reversible and preventable.

Lung disease in a global context. A call for public health action

As described in a recently released report of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, four of the leading causes of death in the world are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory tract infections, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. A fifth, asthma, causes enormous global morbidity. Not enough progress has been made in introducing new therapies and reducing disease burden for these illnesses in the last few decades, despite generous investments and some notable progress in biomedical research. Four external and modifiable drivers are responsible for a substantial percentage of the disease burden represented by the major lung diseases: tobacco, outdoor air pollution, household air pollution, and occupational exposures to lung toxins. Especially in low- and middle-income countries, but in highly developed economies as well, pressures for economic development and lax regulation are contributing to the continued proliferation of these drivers. Public health approaches to the most common lung diseases could have enormous effects on reducing morbidity and mortality. There must be increased advocacy from and mobilization of civil society to bring attention to the drivers of lung diseases in the world. The World Health Organization should negotiate accords similar to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to address air pollution and occupational exposures. Large increases in funding by government agencies and nongovernmental organizations around the world are needed to identify technologies that will reduce health risks while allowing populations to enjoy the benefits of economic development. This paradigm, focused more on public health than on individual medical treatment, has the best chance of substantial reduction in the burden of lung disease around the world in the next several years.

Inhaled corticosteroids and pneumonia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inhaled corticosteroids are widely used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, in combination with long-acting β2 agonists, reduce exacerbations and improve lung function and quality of life. However, inhaled corticosteroids have been linked with an increased risk of pneumonia in individuals with COPD, but the magnitude of this risk, the effects of different preparations and doses, and the mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. Therefore, making informed clinical decisions--balancing the beneficial and adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids in individuals with COPD--is difficult. Understanding of the mechanisms of increased pneumonia risk with inhaled corticosteroids is urgently needed to clarify their role in the management of COPD and to aid the development of new, safer therapies.

Gemifloxacin for the Management of Community-Acquired Respiratory Tract Infections

Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) exert a growing clinical and financial burden on healthcare systems and employers. In addition, antimicrobial resistance among pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, has compromised the use of commonly prescribed antimicrobial compounds. Newer fluoroquinolones have been developed to meet these emerging demands. Gemifloxacin is a potent, dual-acting fluoroquinolone with excellent activity against S. pneumoniae (MIC(90)0.03-0.06 microg/ml) including those strains demonstrating resistance to other classes of antibiotics. Gemifloxacin demonstrated excellent clinical success in community-acquired lower respiratory infections, has an acceptable safety profile, and is a cost-effective alternative in the management of LRTIs including those caused by resistant pathogens.

Relationship between the use of inhaled steroids for chronic respiratory diseases and early outcomes in community-acquired pneumonia

BACKGROUND

The role of inhaled steroids in patients with chronic respiratory diseases is a matter of debate due to the potential effect on the development and prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We assessed whether treatment with inhaled steroids in patients with chronic bronchitis, COPD or asthma and CAP may affect early outcome of the acute pneumonic episode.

METHODS

Over 1-year period, all population-based cases of CAP in patients with chronic bronchitis, COPD or asthma were registered. Use of inhaled steroids were registered and patients were followed up to 30 days after diagnosis to assess severity of CAP and clinical course (hospital admission, ICU admission and mortality).

RESULTS

Of 473 patients who fulfilled the selection criteria, inhaled steroids were regularly used by 109 (23%). In the overall sample, inhaled steroids were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization (OR=1.96, p = 0.002) in the bivariate analysis, but this effect disappeared after adjusting by other severity-related factors (adjusted OR=1.08, p=0.787). This effect on hospitalization also disappeared when considering only patients with asthma (OR=1.38, p=0.542), with COPD alone (OR=4.68, p=0.194), but a protective effect was observed in CB patients (OR=0.15, p=0.027). Inhaled steroids showed no association with ICU admission, days to clinical recovery and mortality in the overall sample and in any disease subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with inhaled steroids is not a prognostic factor in COPD and asthmatic patients with CAP, but could prevent hospitalization for CAP in patients with clinical criteria of chronic bronchitis.

Chronic heart failure and risk of hospitalization with pneumonia: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure may increase risk of pneumonia due to alveoli flooding and reduced microbial clearance. We examined whether chronic heart failure is a risk factor for pneumonia-related hospitalization.

METHODS

In this large population-based case-control study we identified adult patients with a first-time primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of viral or bacterial pneumonia between 1994 and 2008, using health care databases in Northern Denmark. For each case, ten sex- and age-matched population controls were selected from Denmark's Civil Registration System. We used conditional logistic regression to compute relative risk (RR) for pneumonia-related hospitalization among persons with and without pre-existing heart failure, overall and stratified by medical treatment. We controlled for a wide range of comorbidities, socioeconomic markers and immunosuppressive treatment.

RESULTS

The study included 67,162 patients with a pneumonia-related hospitalization and 671,620 population controls. The adjusted OR for pneumonia-related hospitalization among persons with previous heart failure was 1.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76-1.86) compared with other individuals. The adjusted pneumonia RR was lower for heart failure patients treated with thiazides only (adjusted OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.46-1.67), as compared with patients whose treatment included loop-diuretics and digoxin as a marker of increased severity (adjusted OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.85-2.06) or both loop-diuretics and spironolactone (adjusted OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.90-2.15). The population-attributable risk of pneumonia hospitalizations caused by heart failure in our population was 6.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic heart failure, in particular those using loop diuretics, have markedly increased risk of hospitalization with pneumonia.

Amoxicillin for acute lower-respiratory-tract infection in primary care when pneumonia is not suspected: a 12-country, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lower-respiratory-tract infection is one of the most common acute illnesses managed in primary care. Few placebo-controlled studies of antibiotics have been done, and overall effectiveness (particularly in subgroups such as older people) is debated. We aimed to compare the benefits and harms of amoxicillin for acute lower-respiratory-tract infection with those of placebo both overall and in patients aged 60 years or older.

METHODS

Patients older than 18 years with acute lower-respiratory-tract infections (cough of ≤28 days' duration) in whom pneumonia was not suspected were randomly assigned (1:1) to either amoxicillin (1 g three times daily for 7 days) or placebo by computer-generated random numbers. Our primary outcome was duration of symptoms rated "moderately bad" or worse. Secondary outcomes were symptom severity in days 2-4 and new or worsening symptoms. Investigators and patients were masked to treatment allocation. This trial is registered with EudraCT (2007-001586-15), UKCRN Portfolio (ID 4175), ISRCTN (52261229), and FWO (G.0274.08N).

FINDINGS

1038 patients were assigned to the amoxicillin group and 1023 to the placebo group. Neither duration of symptoms rated "moderately bad" or worse (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 0.96-1.18; p=0.229) nor mean symptom severity (1.69 with placebo vs 1.62 with amoxicillin; difference -0.07 [95% CI -0.15 to 0.007]; p=0.074) differed significantly between groups. New or worsening symptoms were significantly less common in the amoxicillin group than in the placebo group (162 [15.9%] of 1021 patients vs 194 [19.3%] of 1006; p=0.043; number needed to treat 30). Cases of nausea, rash, or diarrhoea were significantly more common in the amoxicillin group than in the placebo group (number needed to harm 21, 95% CI 11-174; p=0.025), and one case of anaphylaxis was noted with amoxicillin. Two patients in the placebo group and one in the amoxicillin group needed to be admitted to hospital; no study-related deaths were noted. We noted no evidence of selective benefit in patients aged 60 years or older (n=595).

INTERPRETATION

When pneumonia is not suspected clinically, amoxicillin provides little benefit for acute lower-respiratory-tract infection in primary care both overall and in patients aged 60 years or more, and causes slight harms.

FUNDING

European Commission Framework Programme 6, UK National Institute for Health Research, Barcelona Ciberde Enfermedades Respiratorias, and Research Foundation Flanders.

Comorbidities as a driver of the excess costs of community-acquired pneumonia in U.S. commercially-insured working age adults

BACKGROUND

Adults with certain comorbid conditions have a higher risk of pneumonia than the overall population. If treatment of pneumonia is more costly in certain predictable situations, this would affect the value proposition of populations for pneumonia prevention. We estimate the economic impact of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) for adults with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) in a large U.S. commercially-insured working age population.

METHODS

Data sources consisted of 2003 through 2007 Thomson Reuters MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Thomson Reuters Health Productivity and Management (HPM) databases. Pneumonia episodes and selected comorbidities were identified by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. By propensity score matching, controls were identified for pneumonia patients. Excess direct medical costs and excess productivity cost were estimated by generalized linear models (GLM).

RESULTS

We identified 402,831 patients with CAP between 2003 through 2007, with 25,560, 32,677, 16,343, and 5,062 episodes occurring in patients with asthma, diabetes, COPD and CHF, respectively. Mean excess costs (and standard error, SE) of CAP were $14,429 (SE=44) overall. Mean excess costs by comorbidity subgroup were lowest for asthma ($13,307 (SE=123)), followed by diabetes ($21,395 (SE=171)) and COPD ($23,493 (SE=197)); mean excess costs were highest for patients with CHF ($34,436 (SE=549)). On average, indirect costs comprised 21% of total excess costs, ranging from 8% for CHF patients to 27% for COPD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to patients without asthma, diabetes, COPD, or CHF, the excess cost of CAP is nearly twice as high for patients with diabetes and COPD and nearly three times as high for patients with CHF. Indirect costs made up a significant but varying portion of excess CAP costs. Returns on prevention of pneumonia would therefore be higher in adults with these comorbidities.

Pneumococcal infections and adult with risk factors

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important bacterium in humans, and is a cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, meningitis, bacteremia, and/or invasive infections. An analysis of literature allows identifying the main risk factors; spleen dysfunctions, sickle cell anemia, alcohol abuse, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, ischemic cardiac diseases, congestive cardiac failure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic lung disease, immunodeficient patients including HIV infection, and old age. S. pneumoniae infections are more frequent and more severe in these patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved may be associated. These populations at risk should receive anti-pneumococcal vaccination. The availability of a 13 valent conjugate vaccine for adult opens new perspectives, but its clinical effectiveness needs to be proved for these patients at risk.

The natural history of community-acquired pneumonia in COPD patients: a population database analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are at higher risk of developing Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) than patients in the general population. However, no studies have been performed in general practice assessing longitudinal incidence rates for CAP in COPD patients or risk factors for pneumonia onset.

METHODS

A cohort of COPD patients aged ≥ 45 years, was identified in the General Research Practice Database (GPRD) between 1996 and 2005, and annual and 10-year incidence rates of CAP evaluated. A nested case-control analysis was performed, comparing descriptors in COPD patients with and without CAP using conditional logistic regression generating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The COPD cohort consisted of 40,414 adults. During the observation period, 3149 patients (8%) experienced CAP, producing an incidence rate of 22.4 (95% CI 21.7-23.2) per 1000 person years. 92% of patients with pneumonia diagnosis had suffered only one episode. Multivariate modelling of pneumonia descriptors in COPD indicate that age over 65 years was significantly associated with increased risk of CAP. Other independent risk factors associated with CAP were co-morbidities including congestive heart failure (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6), and dementia (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.9-3.). Prior severe COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.3-3.2) and severe COPD requiring home oxygen or nebulised therapy (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) were also significantly associated with risk of CAP.

CONCLUSION

COPD patients presenting in general practice with specific co-morbidities, severe COPD, and age >65 years are at increased risk of CAP.

Patients with rib fractures do not develop delayed pneumonia: a prospective, multicenter cohort study of minor thoracic injury

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Patients admitted to emergency departments (EDs) for minor thoracic injuries are possibly at risk of delayed pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of delayed pneumonia post-minor thoracic injury and the associated risk factors.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted in 4 Canadian EDs, from November 2006 to November 2010. All consecutive patients aged 16 years and older with minor thoracic injury who were discharged from the ED were screened for eligibility. Uniform clinical and radiologic evaluations were performed on the initial ED visit and were repeated at weeks 1 and 2. Relative risk analyses quantified incidence with comparison by age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intoxication, pulmonary comorbidity, ability to cough atelectasis, pain level, and number of rib fractures.

RESULTS

Of the 1,057 participants recruited, 347 (32.8%) had at least 1 rib fracture, 87 (8.2%) had asthma, and 36 (3.4%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only 6 patients (0.6%; 95% confidence interval 0.24% to 1.17%) developed pneumonia during the follow-up period. The relative risk for patients with preexistent pulmonary disease and radiologically proven rib fractures was 8.6 (P=.045; 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 70.9). Sex, smoking habit, initial atelectasis, ability to cough, and alcohol intoxication were not significantly associated with delayed pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

This prospective cohort study of nonhospitalized patients with minor thoracic injuries revealed a low incidence of delayed pneumonia. Nonetheless, our results support tailored follow-up for asthmatic or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with rib fracture.

[Death in geriatric pneumonia patients]

AIM

Pneumonia-associated deaths are the 4th leading cause of death in elderly people, and fatality tends to increase with age, especially after the age of 65. We aimed to further define convalescence in this patient population by examining the clinical characteristics of elderly pneumonia patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the data of 292 patients aged 65 years or older who had died of pneumonia. Analysis was performed according to the guidelines for the management of pneumonia of the Japanese Respiratory Society (JRSGMP), which retrospectively classifies pneumonia into a community-acquired type (c type) and hospital-acquired type (h type). In the present study, there were 110 cases of c type and 182 cases of h type.

RESULTS

Among the factors that accurately predicted disease severity in the c type group, age was associated with the highest frequency (104; 94.5%). Furthermore, age was most frequently associated with a convalescence prediction factor in the h type group (150; 82.4%). The remaining factors collectively comprised approximately 50%. Except in mild cases in the c type group, deaths occurred in each of the disease severity groups for both pneumonia types. Dysphagia occurred in many cases in both groups, and in both pneumonia types the most common complication was dementia. In the h type group, cerebrovascular diseases were the second most common complication.

CONCLUSION

When assessing disease severity in elderly pneumonia patients, the JRSGMP may not allow accurate judgment of convalescence. It is very likely that dementia and cerebrovascular diseases cause dysphagia. Furthermore, very elderly patients are frequently at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia during treatment. For these reasons, it may be necessary to add the condition of a patient with these complications to the disease severity rating or convalescence prediction factor when considering the outcome of pneumonia in very elderly patients. It is necessary to consider all these factors when treating such episodes.

The convergence of the global smoking, COPD, tuberculosis, HIV, and respiratory infection epidemics

At the beginning of the 21st century, we are facing the convergence of several epidemics. These include tobacco smoking, tuberculosis, HIV infection, influenza, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These epidemics interact by way of increasing disease susceptibility and worsening outcomes. To control these interacting epidemics, we need to better understand each infection and how it influences the others. Multifaceted approaches will be necessary to reduce the impact on those in developing nations most likely to be affected by the convergence of all epidemics.

Pharmacotherapy and the risk for community-acquired pneumonia

Background

Some forms of pharmacotherapy are shown to increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether pharmacotherapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI), inhaled corticosteroids, and atypical antipsychotics was associated with the increased risk for CAP in hospitalized older adults with the adjustment of known risk factors (such as smoking status and serum albumin levels).

Methods

A retrospective case-control study of adults aged 65 years or older at a rural community hospital during 2004 and 2006 was conducted. Cases (N = 194) were those with radiographic evidence of pneumonia on admission. The controls were patients without the discharge diagnosis of pneumonia or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (N = 952). Patients with gastric tube feeding, ventilator support, requiring hemodialysis, metastatic diseases or active lung cancers were excluded.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the current use of inhaled corticosteroids (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.56-5.35) and atypical antipsychotics (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.23-4.15) was an independent risk factor for CAP after adjusting for confounders, including age, serum albumin levels, sex, smoking status, a history of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and COPD, the current use of PPI, β2 agonist and anticholinergic bronchodilators, antibiotic(s), iron supplement, narcotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The crude OR and the AOR of PPI use for CAP was 1.41 [95% CI = 1.03 - 1.93] and 1.18 [95% CI = 0.80 - 1.74] after adjusting for the above confounders, respectively. Lower serum albumin levels independently increased the risk of CAP 1.89- fold by decreasing a gram per deciliter (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI = 2.01 - 4.16).

Conclusion

Our study reaffirmed that the use of inhaled corticosteroids and atypical antipsychotics was both associated with an increased risk for CAP in hospitalized older adults of a rural community. No association was found between current PPI use and the risk for CAP in this patient population of our study.

Inhaled corticosteroids and risk of pneumonia: evidence for and against the proposed association

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are commonly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Recent large prospective trials have reported an increased incidence of pneumonia in patients treated with ICS. Despite this, the link between ICS and pneumonia remains controversial. In this review, pro and con arguments for the association between ICS and increased pneumonia risk are discussed, drawing on evidence from experimental and clinical research.

Acid-suppressive drugs and community-acquired pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Acid suppression may increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. We investigated this association in the United Kingdom primary care system taking account of the potential for confounding by indication.

METHODS

We identified patients aged 20-79 years in The Health Improvement Network database with a new diagnosis of pneumonia between 2000 and 2005 (n = 7297). Cases were validated by manual review and compared with age- and sex-matched controls (n = 9993). Using unconditional logistic regression, we estimated the relative risk (RR) of pneumonia associated with current use of acid-suppressive drugs compared to nonuse.

RESULTS

Newly diagnosed community-acquired pneumonia was increased with current use of proton pump inhibitors (RR = 1.16 [95% confidence interval 1.03-1.31]) but not H2-receptor antagonists (0.98 [0.80-1.20]). An increased risk of pneumonia was evident only in the first 12 months of treatment with proton pump inhibitors. There was some evidence of a dose response. Among patients taking proton pump inhibitors for less than 1 year, the risk of community-acquired pneumonia was stronger when current use was for dyspepsia or peptic ulcer (1.73 [1.29-2.34]) than for gastroesophageal reflux disease or prevention of upper gastrointestinal injury associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.22 [0.97-1.52]).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a small increase in the risk of community-acquired pneumonia associated with current proton pump inhibitor use, particularly during the first 12 months of treatment and at higher doses. This may be due in part to the underlying indication.

Statin use and risk of community acquired pneumonia in older people: population based case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) may decrease the risk of community acquired pneumonia.

DESIGN

Population based case-control study.

SETTING

Group Health, a large integrated healthcare delivery system. Population Immunocompetent, community dwelling Group Health members aged 65 to 94; two matched controls for each case with pneumonia. Information on comorbid illnesses and functional and cognitive status, potential confounders of the association between statin use and risk of pneumonia, came from medical record review and computerised pharmacy data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Adjusted estimates of risk of pneumonia in relation to current statin use.

RESULTS

1125 validated cases of pneumonia and 2235 matched controls were identified. Compared with controls, cases were more likely to have chronic lung and heart disease, especially severe disease, and functional or cognitive impairment. Current statin use was present in 16.1% (181/1125) of cases and 14.6% (327/2235) of controls (adjusted odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.56). Among cases admitted to hospital and matched controls, current statin use was present in 17.2% (68/395) of cases and 14.2% (112/788) of controls (adjusted odds ratio 1.61, 1.08 to 2.39, compared with non-use). In people in whom statins were indicated for secondary prevention, the adjusted odds ratio for risk of pneumonia in relation to current statin use was 1.25 (0.94 to 1.67); in those with no such indication, it was 0.81 (0.46 to 1.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Statin use was not associated with decreased risk of pneumonia among immunocompetent, community dwelling older people. Findings of previous studies may reflect "healthy user" bias.

Risk of community-acquired pneumonia and the use of statins, ace inhibitors and gastric acid suppressants: a population-based case-control study

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that treatment with gastric acid suppressants may be associated with an increased risk of pneumonia whilst the use of statins and ACE inhibitors (ACEI) may decrease the risk of acquiring pneumonia. The evidence is conflicting however. Our aim was to investigate the effect of these drugs on pneumonia using population-based data from the UK.

METHODS

We conducted a general population-based case-control study using the health improvement network (THIN), a comprehensive UK general practice database. Conditional multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between the exposures and pneumonia.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, a current prescription for statins was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of pneumonia (adjusted OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.94). Similarly, a current prescription for ACEI was associated with a reduction in the risk of pneumonia (adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.86). Contrary to previous study results we did not find a significant association between current prescription for histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H(2)RA) and pneumonia risk (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.92-1.40) but current prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.38-1.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Statins and ACE inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of pneumonia but these effects were smaller than those observed in previous studies. People prescribed a PPI, but not an H(2)RA at an increased risk of acquiring pneumonia.

Prognosis of primary care patients aged 80 years and older with lower respiratory tract infection

BACKGROUND

Predictors for a complicated course of a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) episode among patients aged > or =80 years are unknown.

AIM

To determine prognostic factors for hospital admission or death within 30 days after first onset of LRTI among primary care patients aged > or =80 years.

DESIGN OF STUDY

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Utrecht General Practitioner Research Network.

METHOD

Data were obtained using the computerised database of the research network over the years 1997 to 2003. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the independent association of predictors with 30-day hospitalisation or death.

RESULTS

In all, 860 episodes of LRTI were observed in 509 patients; 13% of patients were hospitalised or died within 30 days. Type of LRTI, diabetes, use of oral glucocorticoids, use of antibiotics in the previous month, and hospitalisation in the previous 12 months were independently associated with the combined outcome. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had a greater risk of 30-day hospitalisation or death compared with patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Independent of age, serious comorbidity - notably the presence of insulin-dependent diabetes or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring oral glucocorticoids - increases the risk for complications, including hospital admissions, in patients aged > or =80 years with an LRTI.

Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent seniors

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk factors for developing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in seniors.

DESIGN

Nested case-control study.

SETTING

Group Health, a health maintenance organization in Washington state.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand one hundred seventy-three immunocompetent seniors with CAP and 2,346 age- and sex-matched controls, sampled during influenza seasons and pre-influenza periods of 2000/01 and 2002/03. CAP cases were presumptively identified according to diagnosis codes assigned to outpatient and inpatient encounters and validated according to review of chest radiograph reports or medical records.

MEASUREMENTS

Medical records were used to assess body mass, the presence and severity of cardiopulmonary and other chronic diseases, and the presence of functional or cognitive impairments. Use of prescription medications and inpatient, outpatient, and home medical services were identified from administrative databases.

RESULTS

Independent predictors of CAP include the presence and severity of cardiopulmonary disease, low weight and recent weight loss, and poor functional status; 42.0% of pneumonia cases can be attributed to underlying cardiopulmonary disease.

CONCLUSION

Seniors with cardiopulmonary disease, poor functional status, low weight, or recent weight loss have a greater risk of developing CAP. Preventative efforts should be targeted toward these individuals.

Bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia in COPD patients: better outcomes than expected

The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-COPD patients. A case-control study was conducted. Cases were any adult with BPP and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) <80% and FEV(1)/forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) <70%. Controls were patients with BPP without clinical diagnosis of COPD matched 1:2 by age, gender and date of isolation. Variables included co-morbidities, serotypes, pneumonia severity index (PSI), treatment and mortality. There were 45 cases and 90 controls. No significant differences were found in Charlson scores, antibiotic treatment, serotype distribution and severity. Malignancy, shock and mechanical ventilation were less frequent in COPD patients. One patient died vs 14 controls (p = 0.02). In univariate analysis, shock, multilobar involvement, Charlson score, heart failure and absence of COPD were associated with mortality. After adjustment for the presence of shock there were no differences in mortality. BPP presents less frequently with shock and has a lower mortality rate in COPD patients than in non-COPD patients.

Improving outcomes of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Therefore, efforts to optimize the healthcare process for patients with CAP are warranted. An organized approach to management is likely to improve clinical results. Assessing the severity of CAP is crucial to predicting outcome, deciding the site of care, and selecting appropriate empirical therapy. Unfortunately, current prognostic scoring systems for CAP such as CURB-65 (confusion, uraemia, respiratory rate, low blood pressure and 65 years of age) or the Pneumonia Severity Index have not been validated specifically in older adults, in whom assessment of mortality risk alone might not be adequate for predicting outcomes. Obtaining a microbial diagnosis remains problematic and may be particularly challenging in frail elderly persons, who may have greater difficulties producing sputum. Effective empirical treatment involves selection of a regimen with a spectrum of activity that includes the causative pathogen. Although most cases of CAP are probably caused by a single pathogen, dual and multiple infections are increasingly being reported. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the overriding aetiological agent, particularly in very elderly people. However, respiratory viruses and 'atypical' organisms such as Chlamydia pneumoniae are being described with increasing frequency in old patients, and aspiration pneumonia should also be taken into consideration, particularly in very elderly subjects and those with dementia. Age >65 years is a well established risk factor for infection with drug-resistant S. pneumoniae. Clinicians should be aware of additional risk factors for acquiring less common pathogens or antibacterial-resistant organisms that may suggest that additions or modifications to the basic empirical regimen are warranted. In addition to administration of antibacterials, appropriate supportive therapy, covering management of severe sepsis and septic shock, respiratory failure, as well as management of any decompensated underlying disease, may be critical to improving outcomes in elderly patients with CAP. Immunization with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines has also been demonstrated to be beneficial in numerous large studies. There is good evidence that implementation of guidelines leads to improvement in clinical outcomes in elderly patients with CAP, including a reduction in mortality. Protocols should address a comprehensive set of elements in the process of care and should periodically be evaluated to measure their effects on clinically relevant outcomes. Assessment of functional clinical outcome variables, in addition to survival, is strongly recommended for this population.

The incidence of pneumonia using data from a computerized general practice database

Despite being widely recognized as a significant public health problem there are surprisingly few contemporary data available on the incidence of pneumonia in the UK. We conducted a general population-based cohort study to determine the incidence of pneumonia in general practice in the United Kingdom. Data were obtained from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) - a computerized, longitudinal, general practice database. Recorded diagnoses of pneumonia between 1991 and 2003 were used to calculate the incidence of pneumonia stratified by year, sex, age group and deprivation score. The overall incidence of pneumonia was 233/100 000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 231-235] and this rate was stable between 1991 and 2003. The incidence of pneumonia was slightly lower in females compared to males [age-adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.88, 95% CI 0.86-0.89]. Pneumonia was most common in children aged <4 years and adults aged >65 years. There was an increased incidence of pneumonia with higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage such that people living in the most deprived areas of the United Kingdom were 28% more likely to get pneumonia than those in the least deprived areas (age- and gender-adjusted IRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32). In conclusion, pneumonia is an important public health problem and the incidence of pneumonia is higher in people at the extremes of age, men and people living in socially deprived areas.

Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed incidence, aetiology, clinical outcomes and risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in older adults.

METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study that included 11,241 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or more, who were followed between 2002 and 2005 in the region of Tarragona, Spain. Primary endpoints were all-cause CAP (hospitalised and outpatient) and 30-day mortality after the diagnosis. All cases were radiographically proved and validated by checking clinical records.

RESULTS

Incidence rate of overall CAP was 14 cases per 1000 person-years (10.5 and 3.5 for hospitalised and outpatient cases, respectively). Incidence was almost three-fold higher among immunocompromised patients (30.9 per 1000) than among immunocompetent subjects (11.6 per 1000). Maximum incidences were observed among patients with chronic lung disease and long-term corticosteroid therapy (46.5 and 40.1 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively). Overall 30-day case-fatality rate was 12.7% (2% in cases managed as outpatient and 15% in hospitalised patients). Among 358 patients with an aetiological work-up, a total of 142 pathogens were found (single pathogen in 121 cases and mixed pathogens in 10 cases). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (49%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), Chlamydia pneumoniae (9%) and Haemophilus influenzae (6%). In multivariable analysis, the variables most strongly associated with increasing risk of CAP were history of hospitalisation for CAP in the previous 2 years and presence of any chronic lung disease.

CONCLUSIONS

CAP remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Incidence rates in this study largely doubled prior rates reported in Southern European regions.

Infections in chronic lung diseases

Chronic lung diseases are prevalent worldwide and cause significant mortality and suffering. This article discusses infections that occur in three chronic lung diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis. Rather than discussing the role of infections as etiology of these diseases, this article focuses on infections that occur in the background of established chronic lung disease.

Observed association between antidepressant use and pneumonia risk was confounded by comorbidity measures

OBJECTIVE

A prior study suggested that antidepressants might increase the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in the elderly. This study sought to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Case-control study of persons aged 65 and above nested in the UK General Practice Research Database.

RESULTS

We identified 12,044 cases of the hospitalization for pneumonia (the primary outcome) and 48,176 controls. The odds ratio (OR) for any antidepressant use, adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year was 1.61 (95% confidence interval 1.46-1.78). After further adjustment for comorbidity measures, the OR was 0.89 (0.79-1.00). We also identified 159 cases of hospitalization for aspiration pneumonia (the secondary outcome) and 636 controls. The OR for any antidepressant use, adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year was 1.45 (0.65-3.24). After further adjustment for comorbidity measures, the OR was 0.63 (0.23-1.71).

CONCLUSION

These findings refute the prior hypothesis that use of antidepressants by elderly patients increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia or for aspiration pneumonia. Decisions regarding use of antidepressants in elderly persons should not be affected by concern about pneumonia risk. Data-derived hypotheses should be independently confirmed before being acted upon.