Abstract :
Background: Pneumonia is defined as an infection and inflammation of the alveoli and the bronchioles. It is caused by microorganisms when the hosts’ defences are overcome by their virulence. Community Acquired Pneumonia affects people of all age groups, though the elderly is especially susceptible.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 56 patients above the age of 65 years who were admitted to our hospital for pneumonia. Demographic data of the patients such as age, sex, weight, temperature blood pressure etc. was taken. History of underlying disease, comorbidities, cardiopulmonary function was noted. Data on the laboratory investigations such as Complete Blood Picture, haemoglobin estimation, Blood glucose levels, Kidney function tests, liver function rests, electrolyte levels, CRP, D Dimer were noted. Details of chest X rays or Ultra sound, ABG analysis were also noted. Details of sputum culture and sensitivity and blood culture and sensitivity for the patients was also noted.
Results: The most common comorbidity was hypertension, followed by cerebrovascular diseases cardiopathy, COPD and diabetes. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 69.6%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 48.2%, Candida albicans in 51.8% and Acinetobacter baumanni in 44.6% cases in sputum culture and in blood culture Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 16.1%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 8.9% cases.
Conclusion: Community acquired pneumonia contributes significantly to the health burden of the world especially causing severe morbidity and mortality among the elderly patients. For a better prognosis, it is important to diagnose and identify the risk factors so that the severity of the infection can be prevented.
Keyword :
Community Acquired Pneumonia, Elderly Patients, Bacterial infection.