Abstract
Aim: We conducted this study to evaluate differences in clinical presentation, serotypes, process of care and outcome in a group of non-frail elderly patients admitted to our hospitals with bacteraemic pneumococcal community –acquired pneumonia (BPCAP).
Methods: This is a prospective observational study including all consecutive patients admitted for BPCAP in two tertiary medical centres. The study was conducted from 2002 to 2010. For the purpose of the study, patients with independence for the activities of daily living and absence of any medical comorbidities (non-frail patients) were divided into two groups according to their age: 1) younger adults (18-65 years) and 2) elderly adults (≥ 65 years).
Results: We evaluated 203 patients, 71 of them were considered non-frail elderly patients. Table 1 show the main baselines characteristics of all patients. No differences were found regarding the type of antibiotic treatment used, the rate of treatment failure or the rate of resistance to antibiotics tested. Serotype analysis was performed in 165. Serotype 7 was identified more frequently in younger patients. Table 2 show the in-hospital course and outcome indicators.
Conclusions:
Non-frail elderly patients have more poor outcome ( 3-days and 30- days mortality) than younger patients.
Rates of ICU admission are lower in patients > 65 years in spite of their good baseline health status.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015