Factors Affecting CAP Outcome

In a large retrospective study, using guideline-compliant treatment and establishing an etiologic diagnosis were associated with shorter LOS and lower risk for late in-hospital mortality.

Patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) often have comorbid conditions and other characteristics that influence outcome but cannot be changed easily. However, several parameters more related to diagnosis and treatment can also affect outcome and are modifiable.

In a recent industry-sponsored, retrospective, multicenter study, researchers in Spain sought to identify factors influencing hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality. They reviewed the medical records of 3233 patients (mean age, 66.6) hospitalized with CAP between November 2001 and October 2002. Among these patients, 5.0% were admitted to the ICU, and 3.1% required mechanical ventilation. An etiologic diagnosis was established for 23.6%.

Overall mean LOS was 11.5 days. Fac…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Factors Affecting CAP Outcome

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Reviewing Author