Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:524

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX524

Authors:
Ochoa Gondar, Olga

Abstract:
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is generally considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. However, population-based data are very limited and its overall burden is unclear. Objective: This study assessed epidemiology, aetiology, clinical outcomes and risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among Spanish community-dwelling 65 years or older from Tarragona.Methods: Prospective cohort study that included 11,240 individuals aged 65 years or older, who were followed from January 2002 until April 2005. 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 1,000 person-year (10.5 for hospitalised CAP and 3.5 for outpatient CAP). 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-year, respectively). Overall 30-days case-fatality rate was 12.7% (2% in cases managed as outpatient and 15% in hospitalised patients). Among 358 patients with an aetiological workup, 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 Pseudomona aeruginosa (15%), Chlamydia pneumoniae (9%) and Haemophillus influenzae (6%). The most common symptoms were respiratory symptoms and fever. The mortality was directly correlated with the Fine score.In multivariable analysis, the variables most strongly associated wit