Previous History Of Pneumonia Research Articles

Bacterial etiology, antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with community acquired pneumonia among adult hospitalized patients in Southwest Ethiopia.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant problem that restricts the options for treating bacterial pneumonia. This research aimed to determine the bacterial causes of pneumonia and antibiotic resistance among hospitalized patients in southwest Ethiopia. We collected and analyzed 150 sputum samples from individuals with community-acquired pneumonia from April 1st to October 30th, 2019. Standard bacteriological procedures were used to identify the bacteria. Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion method was used to assess the bacteria's susceptibility patterns. Production of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum-lactamase were confirmed phenotypically. Odds ratios and the chi-square test were computed. On the whole, bacterial pathogens were verified in 50% of the sputum samples. The predominant bacterial isolates were Klebsiella species, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. About 77.5% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Moreover, 40.5% and 10.8% of the isolates were ESBL and carbapenemase producers, respectively. Aging, tobacco smoking, previous history of pneumonia, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease had association with sputum culture-positivity. As a result, it is important to regularly monitor the bacterial etiologies and their patterns of resistance. Additionally, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics should all be taken into account while managing patients with pneumonia empirically in this context.

Pleural Infections: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Isolates and Associated Factors in Suspected Hospitalized Patients at Arba Minch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Pleural infection remains a clinical problem with high morbidity and mortality all over the world. Antimicrobial options are uncertain due to the lack of understanding of the bacteriology of pleural infection. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine bacteriological profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and factors associated with pleural infection. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Arba Minch General Hospital from 1 st January to 30 th November 2020. Socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Adducted amounts of pleural fluid samples were collected aseptically with sterile test tubes. Standard procedures were utilized for bacterial identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby–Disk Bauer's diffusion method. Version 25 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 152 hospitalized patients were enrolled in this study. The overall magnitude of bacterial pleural infection was 27.6%. The predominant bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus with 34.9%, followed by Escherichia coli with 11.6%. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates account for around 48.8% of all isolates, with Gram-positive bacterial isolates accounting for 71.4%. Methicillin-resistant was found in 26.7% and 33.3% of isolated Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), respectively. One isolate of Enterococcus spp. was found to be vancomycin-resistant. All isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes were susceptible to penicillin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, and vancomycin. Likewise, isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa was susceptible to piperacillin. The pleural infection showed a statistically significant association with age group less than or equal to 25 years old (p<0.001), hospital admission for more than seven days (p<0.007), chest tube drainage (p<0.021), previous history of pneumonia (p<0.029) and habit of alcohol drinking (p<0.029). Conclusion: The overall rate of culture-confirmed pleural infection was high, and a considerable percentage of bacteria isolates showed increased resistant to routinely used antibiotics, indicating that more attention is needed to follow the spread and emergence of drug-resistant bacterial agents.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Fatality and Severity in Patients with Coronavirus Disease in Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Study Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Database.

Background: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for fatality and severity in these patients. Methods: In this nationwide population-based retrospective study, we investigated the data of 7339 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients, aged ≥ 18 years, using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database. Comorbidities and medications used were identified using HIRA codes, and severe COVID-19 was defined as that requiring oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilator, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The outcomes were death due to COVID-19 and COVID-19 severity. Results: Mean patient age was 47.1 years; 2970 (40.1%) patients were male. Lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics, ribavirin, oseltamivir, and interferon were administered to 35.8%, 28.4%, 38.1%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.9% of patients, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, previous history of pneumonia, aging, and male were significantly associated with increased risk of death and severe disease. No medication was associated with a reduced risk of fatality and disease severity. Conclusions: We found several risk factors for fatality and severity in COVID-19 patients. As the drugs currently used for COVID-19 treatment have not shown significant efficacy, all efforts should be made to develop effective therapeutic modalities for COVID-19.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Bedside Screening Tests for Detection of Aspiration in Patients Admitted to a Public Rehabilitation Hospital

Early detection of dysphagia and specifically aspiration is essential to prevent and reduce complications of hospitalized patients in rehabilitation centers. Bedside screening test are often used to evaluate swallowing disorders, but their results may be questionable due to insufficient and inconsistent sensitivity and specificity. To compare the sensitivity and specificity of various bedside screening tests for detecting aspiration in hospitalized rehabilitation patients. A prospective observational study was performed in 150 consecutive patients of a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Patients were evaluated regarding clinical predictors for aspiration, maximum phonation time (MPT), Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT-10) questionnaire, tongue strength and endurance (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument [IOPI]) and a swallowing test (Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test [V-VST]). Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was the reference test. Of the 144 patients included, 22% aspirated on FEES. Previous history of pneumonia, dysarthria, wet voice, and abnormal cough reflex were significantly associated with aspiration. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for V-VST (83.3%, 72.6%, 74.8%, respectively) and EAT-10 (82.8%, 57.7%, 62.8%, respectively) to detect aspiration were superior than those of other methods. Maximum tongue strength on IOPI and MPT presented high sensitivity but low specificity to detect aspiration. Clinical predictors of aspiration (previous history of pneumonia, dysarthria, wet voice, and abnormal cough reflex) associated with either V-VST or EAT-10 may be good screening methods to detect aspiration in patients hospitalized in a rehabilitation center.

Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 3 Haplotypes in Sickle Cell Disease Are Associated with Lipid Profile and Clinical Manifestations.

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) present both chronic and acute inflammatory events. The TGF-β pathway is known to play a role in immune response, angiogenesis, inflammation, hematopoiesis, vascular inflammation, and cell proliferation. Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3) gene have been linked to several inflammatory diseases. This study investigated associations between two TGFBR3 haplotypes and classical laboratory parameters, as well as clinical manifestations, in SCD. We found that individuals with the GG haplotype presented higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, total proteins, and globulin than individuals with non-GG haplotypes. In addition, the GG haplotype was associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Individuals with the CGG haplotype presented increased plateletcrit, TC, LDL-C levels, and non-HDL cholesterol. The CCG haplotype was also associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Our findings suggest that individuals with the GG and CGG haplotypes of TGFBR3 present important alterations in lipid profile.

Investigation of Lipid Profile and Clinical Manifestations in SCA Children.

Introduction Clinical complications in sickle cell anemia (SCA) are heterogeneous and involve several molecules. It has been suggested that SCA individuals present a dyslipidemic phenotype and that lipid parameters are associated with severe clinical complications, such as pulmonary hypertension. We sought to investigate associations between lipid parameters and clinical manifestations, as well as other laboratory parameters in a population of pediatric SCA patients. Methods Our cross-sectional evaluation included 126 SCA patients in steady state and who were not undergoing lipid-lowering therapy. Hematological and biochemical parameters were characterized, and previous clinical manifestations were investigated. Results Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were increased in patients with a previous history of pneumonia, which also positively correlated with HbS levels. Decreased LDL-C levels were also associated with leg ulcers and anemia. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were associated with pain crises, increased viscosity, and decreased hemolysis. Several studies have determined that lipids play a role in the vascular impairment seen in SCA, which was corroborated by our findings. Conclusions In sum, our results suggest that total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels are associated with hemolysis and anemia markers and, most importantly, with clinical complications related to vasculopathy in SCA.

Possibilities and limitations of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Combinations of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators are recommended for those patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who did not improve significantly with regular long-acting bronchodilators. ICS are known to increase the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients (over 55 years), current smokers, patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, patients with history of previous pneumonia, patients with body mass index < 25 kg/m2, and patients with dyspnea or severe airflow limitation. The risk-benefit ratio should be considered before initiating the treatment with ICS in COPD patients, particularly in patients with the risk factors of adverse events associated with ICS.

Prognosis of Acute Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly: A Systematic Review.

Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is among the most common injury types encountered by neurosurgeons, and carries a poor prognosis, particularly in the elderly. As the incidence of aSDH in the elderly population rises, identifying those patients who may benefit from operative intervention is crucial. This systematic review aimed to identify data on prognostic factors or indices, such as the modified frailty index, that may help predict outcome, and hence guide management. A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted by two independent authors, and data on prognostic factors and outcomes were extracted. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Of 769 studies identified in the initial search, 7 satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mortality and morbidity varied considerably among studies. Initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3-8 was the most consistently reported negative prognostic feature. Several studies evaluated the impact of medical comorbidities and premorbid frailty, but were limited by small sample size. A previous history of pneumonia was shown to increase the risk of Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) 1-3 (odds ratio [OR] 6.4 [95% CI 1.6-25.2], p = 0.04) in a single study, which also reported a greater increase in GOS at 3 months in those with fewer than five comorbidities (56% vs. 19%, p < 0.01). There are limited data describing prognostic factors or the use of frailty indices within the specific group of elderly patients with aSDH. Prospective research is needed to evaluate the utility of accurate and validated assessments of frailty to enhance the neurosurgeon's ability to appropriately manage this complex and expanding patient group.

Factors associated with bronchiectasis in patients with uncontrolled asthma; the NOPES score: a study in 398 patients

BackgroundSome studies have reported a high prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with uncontrolled asthma, but the factors associated with this condition are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bronchiectasis in uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma and to identify risk factors and their correlation with bronchiectasis in these patients.MethodsThis is a prospective study of data from consecutive patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. Diagnosis of bronchiectasis was based on high-resolution computed tomography. A prognostic score was developed using a logistic regression model, which was used to determine the factors associated with bronchiectasis.ResultsA total of 398 patients (60% with severe asthma) were included. The prevalence of bronchiectasis was 28.4%. The presence of bronchiectasis was associated with a higher frequency of chronic expectoration (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.49–5.84; p = 0.002), greater severity of asthma (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.29–4.57; p = 0.006), at least one previous episode of pneumonia (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.03–5.69; p = 0.044), and lower levels of FeNO (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.016). The NOPES score was developed on the basis of these variables (FeNO[cut off point 20.5 ppb], Pneumonia, Expectoration and asthma Severity), and it ranges from 0 to 4 points, where 0 means “no risk” and 4 corresponds to “high risk”. The NOPES score yielded an AUC-ROC of 70% for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, with a specificity of 95%.ConclusionsAlmost a third of the patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma had bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis was related to the severity of asthma, the presence of chronic expectoration, a previous history of pneumonia, and lower levels of FeNO. The NOPES score is an easy-to-use scoring system with a high prognostic value for bronchiectasis in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma.

Health related quality of life in patients with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia in France

BackgroundCommunity Acquired Pneumococcal Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes serious health problems and can lead to complications and death. The aim of this study was to observe and analyze health related quality of life after a hospital episode for patients with community acquired pneumococcal pneumonia in France.MethodsA total of 524 individuals were enrolled prospectively in the study and were followed for 12 months after hospital discharge. Presence of streptococcus pneumoniae was confirmed by microbiological sampling. Quality of life was reported at four different points of time with the EQ-5D-3 L health states using the French reference tariff. Complete data on all four periods was available for 269 patients.We used descriptive and econometric analysis to assess quality of life over time during follow-up, and to identify factors that impact the utility indexes and their evolution through time. We used Tobit panel data estimators to deal with the bounded nature of utility values.ResultsAverage age of patients was 63 and 55% of patients were men. Negative predictors of quality of life were the severity of the initial event, history of pneumonia, smokers, age and being male. On average, quality of life improved in the first 6 months after discharge and stabilized beyond. At month 1, mean utility index was 0.53 (SD: 0.34) for men and 0.45 (SD: 0.34) for women, versus mean of 0.69 (SD: 0.33) and 0.70 (SD: 0.35) at Month 12. “Usual activities” was the dimension the most impacted by the disease episode. Utilities for men were significantly higher than for women, although male patients were more severe. Individuals over 85 years old did not improve quality of life during follow-up, and quality of life did not improve or deteriorated for 34% of patients. We found that length of hospital stay was negatively correlated with quality of life immediately after discharge.ConclusionThis study provides with evidence that quality of life after an episode of community acquired pneumococcal pneumonia improves overall until the sixth month after hospital discharge, but older patients with previous history of pneumonia may not experience health gains after the initial episode.

MyLungRisk: a user-friendly, web-based calculator for risk assessment of lung cancer based on the validated Liverpool Lung Project risk prediction model

Lung cancer is among the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide, and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Self-assessment tools for individualised lung cancer risk could potentially refine our understanding of risk factors, and contribute to disease prevention and earlier detection, thus reducing the disease burden. The originally published algorithm of the validated Liverpool Lung Project risk prediction model for lung cancer was transformed into a web-based questionnaire called MyLungRisk (MLR, www.mylungrisk.org). This provides a user-friendly interface for individuals aged 50–79 years to estimate their risk of developing lung cancer in the next five years. It incorporates epidemiological risk factors such as age, gender, smoking duration, family history of lung cancer, previous history of pneumonia, previous diagnosis of cancer (other than lung cancer) and exposure to asbestos. Upon the completion of the web-based questionnaire, the individual is given an estimated lung cancer risk score for the next five years with an explanation of their risk, as per 100 average people in the population. In addition, advice is provided if the individual completing the questionnaire has any current symptoms (as per UK National Institute for Health and Care guidelines). MLR is a user-friendly interface for lung cancer risk assessment, based on validated scientific modelling. It is the first of its kind to be put on a widely accessible platform to the public.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy in Children: Safety, Efficacy, and Risk Factors for Conversion to Thoracotomy

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in small children has not been widely performed because of difficulties in single-lung ventilation and surgical technique. This study assessed the feasibility, outcomes, and risk factors for conversion to thoracotomy of thoracoscopic lobectomy in children. From 2005 to 2011, thoracoscopic lobectomy was tried in 50 consecutive pediatric patients. The median age was 3.2 years and the median body weight was 16 kg. Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) (78%) and pulmonary sequestration (18%) were the most common diagnoses. Prenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography was made in 34% of patients (17 of 50), and a previous history of pneumonia was present in 46% (23 of 50). The most commonly used single-lung ventilation modality was endobronchial blocking by balloon catheter through a single-lumen endotracheal tube. The use of a stapler was minimized, with endoscopic clipping devices and energy-based cutting instruments used instead. Thoracoscopic lobectomy without conversion was accomplished in 82% of patients (41 of 50). There was no in-hospital mortality and 1 major morbidity (2%) with postoperative bleeding. Comparison with a group from an earlier period (∼2009) and a group from a later period (2010-2011) determined that thoracotomy conversion rates, mean operation times, and mean hospital days were 27% and 8%, 190±85 and 133±40 minutes, and 11.0±6.7 and 5.2±2.2 days, respectively. In univariate analysis, lower body weight (p=0.010), operations in the earlier period (p=0.040), single-lung ventilation failure (p=0.004), and a previous history of pneumonia (p<0.001) were related to conversion to thoracotomy. Multivariate analysis revealed a previous history of pneumonia to be the only independent risk factor for conversion to thoracotomy (p=0.0179). Thoracoscopic lobectomy in small children is a safe and effective treatment modality. Close cooperation with the anesthesiologist, use of adequate instruments, and selection of proper patients are important for the success of thoracoscopic lobectomy in small children. A previous history of pneumonia was an independent risk factor for conversion to thoracotomy.

Risk Factors for Wheezing Disorders in Infants in the First Year of Life Living in Sao Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for wheezing disorders in the first year of life in infants living in São Paulo (SP), Brazil, applying the standardized protocol of the Estudio Internacional de sibilancia en lactentes-Phase 1. A total of 1014 parents or caregivers of infants, who attended for routine evaluation and immunization in public health centers were interviewed in Southern SP city. Risk factors significantly associated with recurrent wheezing were: history of previous pneumonia, daycare attendance, consumption of processed food, presence of a cat at home, more than five upper respiratory infection (URI) episodes and the first URI before the age of sixth month. Most of these risk factors for wheezing can be avoided or controlled. Prospective studies on wheezing, especially in children with a severe presentation, are needed to analyze the impact of these risk factors and the effect of preventive actions.

Previous Lung Diseases and Lung Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundIn order to review the epidemiologic evidence concerning previous lung diseases as risk factors for lung cancer, a meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted.MethodsRelevant studies were identified through MEDLINE searches. Using random effects models, summary effects of specific previous conditions were evaluated separately and combined. Stratified analyses were conducted based on smoking status, gender, control sources and continent.ResultsA previous history of COPD, chronic bronchitis or emphysema conferred relative risks (RR) of 2.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66, 2.97) (from 16 studies), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.25, 1.84) (from 23 studies) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.72, 2.41) (from 20 studies), respectively, and for all these diseases combined 1.80 (95% CI: 1.60, 2.11) (from 39 studies). The RR of lung cancer for subjects with a previous history of pneumonia was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.22–1.68) (from 22 studies) and for subjects with a previous history of tuberculosis was 1.76 (95% CI = 1.49, 2.08), (from 30 studies). Effects were attenuated when restricting analysis to never smokers only for COPD/emphysema/chronic bronchitis (RR = 1.22, 0.97–1.53), however remained significant for pneumonia 1.36 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.69) (from 8 studies) and tuberculosis 1.90 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.50) (from 11 studies).ConclusionsPrevious lung diseases are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer with the evidence among never smokers supporting a direct relationship between previous lung diseases and lung cancer.

Bronquiectasias: aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos Estudo de 170 pacientes

INTRODUÇÃO: Bronquiectasias são freqüentemente encontradas na prática médica no Brasil, levando a significativa morbidez e comprometimento da qualidade de vida de seus portadores. OBJETIVOS: Analisar aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos em uma série de pacientes com bronquiectasias atendidos em um serviço de doenças pulmonares. MÉTODO: Sinais, sintomas, achados radiográficos e microbiológicos, e resultados terapêuticos foram estudados em 170 pacientes portadores de bronquiectasias hospitalizados no período de 1978 a 2001 - 62,4% do sexo feminino, 37,6% do masculino, com idade média de 37 anos, variando entre 12 e 88 anos. RESULTADOS: Antecedente de pneumonia na infância foi detectado em 52,5% dos pacientes, de tratamento tisiológico em 19,8%; 8,8% tinham asma brônquica, e dois tinham síndrome de Kartagener. Os sintomas mais comuns foram tosse (100%), expectoração (96%) e estertores pulmonares (66%). As lesões eram unilaterais em 46,5% dos casos. Pneumococo, H. influenzae ou flora mista estiveram presentes em 85% das amostras de escarro examinadas. Os 170 pacientes receberam inicialmente tratamento clínico à base de antibióticos e fisioterapia respiratória; 88 deles (52%) mais jovens, com lesões menores e boa reserva funcional foram submetidos à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar (82 unilaterais e seis bilaterais). Ocorreram dois óbitos hospitalares entre os pacientes que receberam tratamento exclusivamente clínico. Os pacientes tratados cirurgicamente tiveram acentuada melhora dos sintomas, raramente necessitando ser reinternados. CONCLUSÕES: Os prolongados sintomas broncopulmonares foram permanentemente aliviados na maioria dos pacientes com bronquiectasias que puderam ir à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar, diferentemente dos que seguiram com o tratamento clínico.

A comparison of ‘cough and cold’ and pneumonia: risk factors for pneumonia in children under 5 years revisited

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and measure the risk factors differentiating upper respiratory infection from pneumonia. Methods: The World Health Organization's acute respiratory infection case management criteria were used. We studied 259 cases of pneumonia (cases) and 187 cases of ‘cough and cold’ (controls) among children under 5 years of age at a large tertiary-care hospital in Gilgit, Pakistan. While previous studies used healthy controls, in this study we used controls who had mild infection (‘cough and cold’). Results: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, lack of immunization (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.54, 95% CI 1.0, 2.3), previous history of pneumonia (AOR=1.77, 95% CI 1.16, 2.7), younger age (AOR for each preceding month in children aged up to 59 months=1.01, 95% CI 0.99,1.03) and malnutrition (wasting) (AOR=2.2, 95% Cl 1.0, 5.23) were revealed as important risk factors for pneumonia. Conclusions: Some of the factors reported in previous studies that used healthy controls were not found to be significant when ‘cough and cold’ children were used as controls. Nonetheless, malnutrition, younger age, low coverage of immunization and also early childhood mismanagement and respiratory damage were found to be significant factors for development of pneumonia.

Acute Exacerbation of COPD

To determine the effect of age, severity of lung disease, severity and frequency of exacerbation, steroid use, choice of an antibiotic, and the presence of comorbidity on the outcome of treatment for an acute exacerbation of COPD. A retrospective chart analysis over 24 months. A university Veterans Affairs medical center. Outpatients with COPD who were treated with an antibiotic over a period of 24 months for an acute exacerbation of COPD. Severity of an acute exacerbation of COPD was defined using the criteria of Anthonisen et al: increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume, and increased sputum purulence. Severity of lung disease was stratified based on FEV(1) percent predicted using American Thoracic Society guidelines (stage I, FEV(1) > or = 50%; stage II, FEV(1) 35 to 49%; stage III, FEV(1) < 35%). Treatment outcome was judged successful when the patient had no return visit in 4 weeks for a respiratory problem. Failure was defined as a return visit for persistent respiratory symptoms that required a change of an antibiotic in < 4 weeks. One-hundred seven patients with COPD (mean age +/- SD, 66.9 +/- 9.5 years) experienced 232 exacerbations over 24 months. First-line antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin/amoxicillin, and erythromycin) were used to treat 78% of all exacerbations. Treatment failure was noted in 12.1% of first exacerbations and 14. 7% of all exacerbations, with more than half the failures requiring hospitalization. Host factors that were independently associated with treatment failure included the following: FEV(1) < 35% (46.4% vs 22.4%; p = 0.047), use of home oxygen (60.7% vs 15.6%; p < 0. 0001), frequency of exacerbation (3.8 +/- 2.0 vs 1.6 +/- 0.91; p < 0. 001), history of previous pneumonia (64.3% vs 35.1 p < 0.007), history of sinusitis (28.6% vs 8.8%; p < 0.009) and use of maintenance steroids (32.1% vs 15.2% p = 0.052). Using stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify the top independent variables, the use of home oxygen (p = 0.0002) and frequency of exacerbation (p < 0.0001) correctly classified failures in 83.3% of the patients. Surprisingly, age, the choice of an antibiotic, and the presence of any one or more comorbidity did not affect the treatment outcome. The results of our study suggest that patient host factors and not antibiotic choice may determine treatment outcome. Prospective studies in appropriately stratified patients are needed to validate these findings.

Incidence and risk factors for pneumonia in HIV infected and non-infected drug users

To study the incidence and risk factors for pneumonia in a cohort of HIV infected and non-infected drug users (DU). A prospective epidemiological study. Injecting and non-injecting DU who attended the Municipal Health Service in Amsterdam for follow-up visits in the study. 203 HIV infected and 437 non-infected DU were followed for a total of 1749 person-years. HIV infected DU reported 111 episodes of pneumonia, which required hospitalization in 29 cases, and HIV negative DU reported 55 episodes, which required hospitalization in nine cases. The incidences among HIV positive and HIV negative DU were 0.19 and 0.05 per person-year respectively. With multivariate Poisson regression current injecting (RR 2.13), recent seroconversion (RR 3.92), asthmatic constitution (RR 2.72), CD4+ cell count between 200-500 (RR 1.67 compared to > 500), CD4+ cell count less than 200 (RR 2.23 compared to > 500) and a previous history of pneumonia (RR 2.43) were independently associated with self-reported pneumonia among HIV infected DU. Among HIV negative DU heroin smoking (RR 1.87), asthmatic constitution (RR 3.62) and a previous history of pneumonia (RR 2.84) were independently associated with self-reported pneumonia. Also a higher Quetelet Index (QI) appeared to be protective (QI > or = 21 RR 0.42, QI 19-21 RR 0.82 compared to QI < 19) among HIV negative DU. Risk factors for reported and hospitalized cases of pneumonia were comparable among HIV positive DU. HIV infected DU are at increased risk for pneumonia and the rate increases with lower CD4 cell counts. Also behavioural characteristics, such as injecting drug use and smoking heroin, and clinical history variables, such as a history of pneumonia or an asthmatic constitution, are risk factors for pneumonia among DU. Pneumococcal vaccination should not only be focused on HIV positive DU but also on the identified risk groups among HIV negative DU.

Reliability of environmental, biological and health characteristics of infants from a developing country.

Although most epidemiological data are gathered by interviews, few studies ascertain their reliability. This study quantified inter-observer reliability of environmental, biological and health characteristics of underprivileged children, in a southern Brazilian state. Five health care professionals who had received extensive standardized interview and observation training interviewed mothers and observed the home environments of a random sample of 102 children. A second interview was conducted by a sixth health professional who had received separate but identical training without the initial interviewer knowing a follow-up interview would be conducted. Data from the two independent interviews and observations were compared for agreement using the kappa statistic. There was excellent agreement (kappa > 0.75) for most of the household characteristics, such as type of walls, ceiling, floor and windows in spite of the diversity of buildings. Presence of the parents, number of people in the house-hold, age of the mother and health assistance were reliable as well. However, information about skin colour of the mother and the number of cracks in the house only reached fair agreement. These results showed that data gathered by observation and interviews generate accurate information about environmental, biological and health care characteristics. Those based on written information, such as birth date, were highly concordant.

Risk Factors for Pneumonia Among Children in a Brazilian Metropolitan Area

To investigate risk factors for pneumonia for infants < 2 years of age. Hospital-based, case-control study with neighborhood control subjects. Urban area in southern Brazil. Five hundred ten infants with radiologically confirmed pneumonia who were admitted to a pediatric hospital. One age-matched neighborhood control subject was selected for each case. Multiple conditional regression modeling was used to control for confounding, taking into account the hierarchical relationships between risk factors. The incidence of radiologically confirmed pneumonia was associated with low paternal education, the number of persons in the household, young maternal age, attendance at day-care centers, low birth weight and weight-for-age, lack of breast-feeding and of non-milk supplements, and a history of previous pneumonia or wheezing. Day-care center attendance showed the highest risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 11.75. In addition to continued efforts toward appropriate case management, actions directed against the above risk factors may help prevent the major cause of deaths of children younger than 5 years.