Characteristics and Economic Burden of Hospitalized Elderly Patients (> 65 Years) Due to Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

Objective : The prevalence hospitalization of elderly patients due to community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is high and increases the hospital cost. Characteristics and economic burden of hospitalized elderly patients (>65years) due to CAP were analyzed. Materials and Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of the 180 patients who were hospitalized with pneumonia between 01.01.2015-15.11.2017. Patients older than 65 years old and hospitalized for CAP were followed up for up to 30 days from initial hospitalization for mortality and the patients who were discharged were followed up to 90 days of initial hospitalization. Hospital costs were analyzed. Results : 115(60%) patients were older than 65. 82.4% of the patients received oxygen therapy and 27.8% of them received noninvasive mechanical support. 16.5% of the patients needed intensive care support. PSI was increased with age(p=0.021). Thirty-day mortality was related with older age(p=0.048). Total treatment costs were increased with high PSI (p=0.003). Increased PSI and total cost were significantly associated with mortality (p=0.000). Thirty-day mortality was related with older age(p=0.048), but age was not related with 60-day and 90-day mortality (p=0.244, p=0.469). 30-day mortality was high in patients with COPD and malignancy (p=0.038, p=0.040). No associations were found between total hospital cost and additional diseases (p>0.05). Conclusion : CAP is a common cause of hospitalization in elderly patients. Older patients had more severe CAP which caused high mortality and high treatment costs; so it is important to identify elderly patients with risk factors for early adequate treatment.