Cases Of Severe Community-acquired Pneumonia Research Articles

Fulminant septic shock due to community-acquired pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila SG1 Olda OLDA ST1. Case report

Legionellers’ desease accounts for 1–8 % of cases of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Legionella spp. Is the causative organism that can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ dysfunction, sepsis, and death. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and efficient treatment are crucial. We report the clinical and microbiology study of a patient with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, with fatal outcome. After death, the strain causing the infection was identified as Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, Olda OLDA phenotype and sequence-type 1. This is the first reported case of septic shock and death associated with an isolate of these characteristics.

Relationship Between Sepsis Phenotypes and Treatment Characteristics of Patients with Viral and Bacterial Pneumonia

New subgroups of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) are hardly predicted by the use of clinical covariates; clusterization may significantly improve diagnostic approaches and facilitate the adaptation of specific treatment modalities to patient’s individual characteristics.The aim of the study. To identify linking the sepsis phenotype in patients with SCAP and preferable treatment option to forecasting the outcome and improve treatment results.Materials and methods. Case histories of 664 of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis (2016–2023) from I. I. Mechnikov Northwestern State Medical University were analyzed. The study included 568 (85.5%) patients with viral SCAP (SCAPv group) and 96 (14.5%) patients with bacterial SCAP (SCAPb group). Sepsis phenotypes were identified using algorithm proposed by Seymour C.W. et al. In SCAP cases associated with COVID-19 infection (n=293, 51.6%) patients received genetically engineered biological therapy (GIBT). The study compared two cohorts of patients: those who received GIBT and did not receive GIBT. Data were statistically processed using the Statistica 10.0 and SPSS software packages.Results. Analysis revealed 4 sepsis phenotypes: α- (N=323, 48.6%); β- (N=128, 19.3%); γ- (N=87, 13.1%); δ - (N=126, 19%). The majority of SCAPv group patients — 295 (51.9%) — had α-phenotype of sepsis, while δ -phenotype prevailed in the SCAPb group — 53 (55.2%). The proportion of patients receiving GIBT and exhibiting α- sepsis phenotype dominated over other sepsis phenotypes: 61.8% of patientspossesed α- phenotype, whereas β-, γ- and δ -phenotypes were determined in 16% , 12.6%, and 9.6% of GIBT patients, respectivelty (P<0.05). The best effect of using monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-6 receptors as a GIBT was obtained in patients with the α-phenotype sepsis and COVID-19-associated SCAP: 87.5% favorable outcomes, P=0.0419. Rate of bacterial sepsis was significantly lower in patients with α- and δ -phenotypes of sepsis receiving GIBT vs those who did not receive this therapy: 12.71% vs 23.2% of patients with α-phenotype, P=0.0131; 25.0% vs 70.41% of patients with δ -phenotype, P=0.0254, respectively.Conclusion. Differences in sepsis phenotype between patients with viral or bacterial SCAP may stratify patients for different therapeutic management and more accurately predict potential complications and unfavorable outcome.

Epidemiology and Characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in Critically Ill Adults.

Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated pneumonia in adults has rarely been addressed. We investigated the burden and clinical characteristics of severe RSV-associated pneumonia in critically ill adult patients. We analyzed a prospective cohort of 2865 adults with severe pneumonia who were admitted to the intensive care unit in a 2700-bed tertiary care hospital from 2010 to 2019. The epidemiology, characteristics, and outcomes of 92 cases of severe RSV-associated pneumonia and 163 cases of severe influenza virus (IFV)-associated pneumonia were compared. Of 1589 cases of severe community-acquired pneumonia, the incidence of RSV-associated pneumonia was less than half that of IFV-associated pneumonia (3.4% vs 8.1%). However, among 1276 cases of severe hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), there were slightly more cases of RSV-associated than IFV-associated pneumonia (3.8% vs 3.5%). During the 9 epidemic seasons, RSV-A (5 seasons) and RSV-B (4 seasons) predominated alternately. Structural lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy were common underlying diseases in both groups. Immunocompromise (57.6% vs 34.4%; P < .001) and hospital acquisition (47.8% vs 23.9%; P < .001) were significantly more common in the RSV group. Coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.3% vs 9.8%; P = .08) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (1.1% vs 6.8%; P = .06) tended to be less frequent in the RSV group. The 90-day mortality was high in both groups (39.1% vs 40.5%; P = .89). RSV infection was associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in critically ill adult patients, similar to IFV. The relatively higher incidence of RSV in severe HAP suggests that the transmissibility of RSV can exceed that of IFV in a hospital setting.

Comparison of Short-Term Versus Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy Among Severe Cases of Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study Among Children.

Introduction Pneumonia continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than five years. The World Health Organization (WHO)recommends intravenous antibiotics for five days for severe pneumonia. However, the optimum duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy for pneumonia is not practicable and feasible in poor and resource-constrained settings like India. Given thecurrent Indian scenario wherein childhood pneumonia is extremely prevalent, we attempted to undertake this study to compare theduration of antibiotic therapy in severe cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods A prospective observational study was carried out on 225 cases of severe and very severe CAP patients at a tertiary care center. The study group included children between two months to five years of age. The participants were subjected to antibiotic therapy (parenteral) plus supportive care. The selection of antibiotics was empirical and according to the WHO acute respiratory infection control program. Hematological parameters including blood hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and total leukocyte count, and radiological evaluation were performed on all the participants. Cases were followed up for the duration of clinical response. Results Out of the 225 cases, 25 patients did not respond to antibiotics and were categorized as the treatment failure group. Of the remaining 200 cases, 104 (52%) showed clinical response within three days (3.0±0.016), and 96 showed a response in four to seven days (4.4±0.064). The mean duration of antibiotic therapy among short-course versus long-course treatment wasstatistically significant (p<0.0001). The majority of patients developed leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and elevated ESR. Conclusion Short-course parenteral antibiotics therapy was equally effective as long-coursetherapy in severe pneumonia. However, very severe pneumonia patients required a longer course of parenteral antibiotics therapy.Very severe pneumonia was significantly associated with high mortality and treatment failure.

Clinical Evaluation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the detection of pathogens in BALF in severe community acquired pneumonia

BackgroundRapid and accurate identification of pathogens is very important for the treatment of Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) in children. Metagenomic Next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been applied in the detection of pathogenic bacteria in recent years, while the overall evaluation the application of SCAP in children is lacking.MethodsIn our study, 84 cases of SCAP were enrolled. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were analysed using mNGS; and sputum, blood, and BALF samples were analysed using conventional technology (CT).ResultsAmong the 84 children, 41 were boys, and 43 were girls, with an average age ranging from 2 months to 14 years. The pathogen detection rate of mNGS was higher than that of CT (83.3% [70/84] vs. 63.1% [53/84], P = 0.003). The mNGS was much greater than that of the CT in detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae (89.2% [25/29] vs. 44.8% [13/29], P = 0.001) and Haemophilus influenzae (91.7% [11/12] vs. 33.3% [4/12], P < 0.005). The mNGS also showed superior fungal detection performance compared with that of the CT (81.8% [9/11] vs. 18.2% [2/11], P = 0.004). The mNGS test can detect viruses, such as bocavirus, rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus, which are not frequently recognised using CT. However, the mNGS detection rate was lower than that of the CT (52.4% [11/21] vs. 95.2% [20/21], P = 0.004) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP). The detection rate of mNGS for mixed infection was greater than that of the CT, although statistical significance was not observed (26.3% [20/39] vs. 21.1% [16/39], P > 0.005). Treatment for 26 (31.0%) children was changed based on mNGS results, and their symptoms were reduced; nine patients had their antibiotic modified, five had antibiotics added, nine had their antifungal medication, and seven had their antiviral medication.ConclusionmNGS has unique advantages in the detection of SCAP pathogens in children, especially S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and fungi. However, the detection rate of MP using mNGS was lower than that of the CT. Additionally, mNGS can detect pathogens that are not generally covered by CT, which is extremely important for the modification of the treatment strategy.

A Retrospective Study on Factors Associated with Severe Childhood Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Background and Aim: Globally, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common source of mortality among children. Early diagnosis and effective management need the identification of risk factors. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical symptoms and investigation of various risk factors for severe CAP in children. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 186 children in the Pediatric Department of Niazi Welfare Teaching Hospital, Sargodha from March 2022 to November 2022. Children with pneumonia who had radiological confirmation were included. Community-acquired pneumonia cases were categorized into two groups: Group-I composed of severe CAP cases whereas Group-II non-severe CAP cases. Baseline characteristics such as age, nutritional status, and gender were collected. Vital signs, fever, duration of symptoms, and physical findings such as chest retraction, cyanosis, wheezing, and nasal faring were clinical data recorded. Laboratory findings such as serum electrolyte, full blood count, and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were recorded. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 186 children, there were 74 (39.8%) females and 112 (60.2%) male. Age-wise distribution of patients were as follows: 146 (78.5%) in 0-5 years, 26 (14%) in 6-10 years, and 14 (7.5%) in 11-15 years. Out of 186 children, the incidence of severe and non-severe CAP was 58 (31.2%) and 130 (68.8%) respectively. The most common clinical signs in both categories are fever and cough, followed by reduced appetite, vomiting, and shortness of breath. A seizure is present in 14 (24.1%) severe CAP cases. Based on physical examination, Rhonchi is found in 94 (72.3%) non-severe and 46 (79.3%) severe CAP patients. Among patients with severe pneumonia, over half have chest retractions, but only 22% have non-severe pneumonia. Tachypnea was experienced by approximately 33% of severe pneumonia patients against 14% of individuals with non-severe pneumonia. As inflammatory indicators, ESR and CRP are high in all groups. Conclusion: The present study concluded that a fever persisting for &gt;7 days and an elevation in RR are risk factors for severe pneumonia. Severe pneumonia is also prevented by a normal hematocrit level and BMI. There was a higher rate of severe pneumonia in CAP hospitalizations in children who had fevers lasting longer than seven days as well as tachypnea. According to these findings, RR should be utilized to determine both the severity of pneumonia and the identification of pneumonia. Keywords: Sever community-acquired pneumonia, Risk factors, Childhood pneumonia

Nasopharyngeal aspirates in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia collected within 3 days before bronchoscopy can partially reflect the pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids

BackgroundThere is little evidence about consistency between nasopharyngeal and pulmonary pathogens in children with severe pneumonia. This study aims to compare the difference of pathogens between nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) collected before bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP).MethodsNPAs and BALFs were collected form pediatric SCAP cases hospitalized from January 2018 to March 2019. NPAs were colleced within 3 days before bronchoscopy. Samples were detected by direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) for seven respiratory viruses and by routine bacterial culture in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus (ADV), Influenza virus types A, B (IV-A and IV-B), Parainfluenza virus 1–3 (PIV1-3) were detected with a commercial assay. The virological and bacteriological detention results of NPAs were compared with the results of BALFs.ResultsIn total 204 cases with mean age of 3.4 ± 2.8 years (IQR, 1 month-14 years) were included in the study. Both NPA and BALF were collected from those cases. The positive rates of pathogen in NPAs and BALFs were 25.0% (51/204) and 36.7% (75/204), respectively (x2 = 6.614, P = 0.010). Respiratory viruses were found in 16.1% (33/204) from NPAs and 32.3% (66/204) from BALFs (x2 = 14.524, P < 0.001). RSV and ADV were the two most frequent detected viruses in NPAs and BALFs. High consistentcy of pathogens between NPAs and BALFs was observed, and 96.9% (32/33) viruses detected in NPAs were also found in BALFs. While bacteria were isolated from 12.7% (26/204) and 10.7% (22/204) of the two kinds of samples, respectively (x2 = 0.378, P = 0.539). In addition, Haemophilus influenzae (HI) was the dominant germ in both samples.ConclusionThe DFA method used to detect seven respiratory viruses from NPAs collected within 3 days before bronchoscopy can partially reflect the pathogens in the lungs in children with SCAP.

Management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a multidisciplinary hospital

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common acute infectious disease in adults. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the incidence of CAP and worsens the prognosis. In this regard, the assessment of the current practice of CAP management in patients with concomitant DM and its compliance with clinical guidelines is of great interest.Purpose. To study the current practice of CAP treatment in adult patients with concomitant type 2 DM in a multidisciplinary hospital and evaluate its compliance with the national clinical guidelines.Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a pulmonology department of a republican clinical hospital. The study recruited adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CAP and previously diagnosed type 2 DM. For each case, demographic characteristics, the severity of CAP, the presence and nature of complications, systemic antibiotic therapy (ABT) and compliance with 16 quality indicators (QI) were recorded. The quality indicators described the adequacy of examination, treatment and secondary prevention of CAP in the presence of concomitant DM. QIs were chosen based on the national clinical guidelines for CAP and algorithms for specialized medical care for patients with DM.Results. Altogether, 48 patients with the average age of 63.9 ± 10.5 years were enrolled. 81% of patients had mild CAP. The severity criteria were assessed in 60% of the patients, prognosis – in 17% of the patients. X-ray examination, pulse oximetry and complete blood count were performed on time in 100% of the cases. A total of 19% of patients had a culture of respiratory specimens. A blood culture was performed in 11,11% of the cases of severe CAP (SCAP). Rapid urine tests for pneumococcal and legionella antigens have not been used. Glycemia was monitored daily in 27% of the patients. ABT was initiated on time in 100% of the patients.Conclusion. Low adherence to many QIs, insufficient control of glycemia and correction of sugar-lowering therapy in the treatment of hospitalized patients with CAP and concomitant type 2 DM were observed, which can worsen clinical outcomes.

Severe community-acquired pneumonia in Reunion Island: Epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics, 2016-2018.

No data are available on severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the French overseas department of Reunion Island. This is unfortunate as the microorganisms responsible for the disease are likely to differ from those in temperate regions due to a tropical climate and proximity to other islands of the Indian Ocean region. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological, clinical, prognosis, and microbiological characteristics of patients with severe CAP in Reunion Island. This retrospective study evaluated all patients with CAP aged >18 years and hospitalized in one of the two intensive care units of Reunion Island between 2016 and 2018. Microorganisms were identified by culture from blood and respiratory samples, multiplex polymerase chain reaction from respiratory samples, urinary antigen tests, and serology. Over the study period, 573 cases of severe CAP were recorded, with a mean incidence of 22 per 100,000 person-years. The most frequently isolated microorganism was influenza (21.9%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%). The influenza virus was detected in affected patients all year round. Twenty-four patients with severe CAP came from another island of the Indian Ocean region (4.2%), mainly Madagascar (>50%). Two of these patients presented with melioidosis and 4 were infected with Acinetobacter spp. Our findings have major implications for the management of severe CAP in tropical regions. The most frequently isolated microorganism in patients with severe CAP in Reunion Island is influenza followed by S. pneumoniae. Physicians should be aware that influenza is the main cause of severe CAP in patients living in or returning from Reunion Island, where this virus circulates all year round.

Особенности применения концепции открытых легких при респираторной терапии тяжелой внебольничной пневмонии

Важным этапом респираторной терапии является оценка рекрутабельности легких пациента и подбор оптимального уровня положительного давления конца выдоха (PEEP). Некорректные настройки параметров искусственной вентиляции легких (ИВЛ) могут существенно ухудшить результаты лечения. Нерекрутабельные легкие пациента требуют попыток привлечения более высокотехнологичных, адаптивно-интеллектуальных режимов ИВЛ. В данной статье нами был описан клинический случай респираторной терапии тяжелой внебольничной пневмонии. Терапия была осложнена нерекрутабельностью легких пациента и клиникой крайне тяжелой гипоксии. Высокие значения PEEP и использование альвеолярных рекрутментов негативно влияли на показатели оксигенации. В качестве альтернативы традиционным режимам нами был применен интеллектуальный режим вентиляции ASV, что улучшило показатели оксигенации. Положительный эффект наблюдался при проведении ИВЛ в prone-положении.

Стартовая антибактериальная терапия при внебольничной пневмонии у детей: результаты многоцентрового исследования

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading reasons for background prescribing antibacterial therapy (ABT) in pediatric practice. In 2015, the Russian Pediatric Respiratory Society published a guideline on CAP in children. Objective. To assess compliance with the recommendations of starting ABT for CAP of pediatric inpatients in various regions of the Russia. Materials and methods. We reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients with CAP who were hospitalized in 2017–2018. The study was in 6 regions of the Russia. A total of 793 cases of CAP were studied in children aged 1 month to 16 years. We analyzed data from patients, such as demographic indicators, severity of the disease, the presence and nature of complications, and starting ABT. Results. The patient’s age ranged from 1 month to 16 years (average – 4.33 years). The amount of cases of severe CAP was 5.55%, in the remaining 94.45% of cases there was a moderate CAP. Complications were present among 3.91% of patients. The overwhelming majority of patients received parenteral ABT (more than 89%). In the majority of cases, third-generation cephalosporins (65.2%) were used as starting therapy. Amoxicillin was prescribed in only 4.04% of patients. The combination therapy was used in 13.27% of cases (beta-lactam with macrolides or aminoglycosides used most often). We found a significant discrepancy between the actual practice of the recommendations: excessive use of parenteral and combined ABT, private prescription of 3rd generation cephalosporins and rare prescription of amoxicillin, the use of aminoglycosides (including as monotherapy). Conclusion. The use of antibiotics for CAP in children in Russia is often incorrect, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and contribute to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Increased education of pediatricians in ABT and the introduction of antibiotic control is required to address this problem. Key words: children, community-acquired pneumonia, antibiotic therapy

Using of telemedicine in treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia in Krasnoyarsk state

Introducrion. Due to the peculiarities of the Krasnoyarsk krai (a huge territory, low population density, different levels of health development in the districts, personnel shortage), there is a need to increase the availability and quality of medical care to district patients. For this purpose, since 2016, the Regional telemedicine system has started functioning online monitoring for patients with severe pneumonia, which provides full-fledged curation of patients from all over the region.Objective. To evaluate the results of RTS monitoring of patients with severe pneumonia.Materials and methods. 770 cases of severe community-acquired pneumonia registered in RTS from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Statistical data processing was performed using variational statistics using the “Excel-7” software package. For all values, the minimum significance level (p) of 0.05 was taken into account.Results. The risk factor for severe flow was male. Among comorbid diseases, cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases, diabetes, alcoholism and HIV infection prevailed. The lack of flu vaccination in 97% of patients increased the number of deaths by 4.5 times. The greatest need for consultation arose in the Central district hospitals of low capacity. The majority of patients are registered in the system on the first day of hospitalization and are consulted by a pulmonologist of the Regional clinical hospital within 2 hours. Air ambulance of the Regional clinical hospital evacuated 174 patients, the need for flights decreased by 3.5 times. The main mistakes of district hospitals in the management of patients were the irrational selection of antibacterial drugs, the volume of detoxification therapy, the late start of antiviral therapy and ventilators, and the lack of prescription of anticoagulants.Conclusions. Along with the presence of comorbidities, the outcome of the EAP is affected by the quality of medical care, which depends on the professional training of medical workers, continuity in the work of regional medical institutions and air ambulance, which causes difficulties, given the specifics of the region. RTS allows you to solve this problem at minimal cost.

Immunoglobulins concentration and B cell counts as severity markers in adult community-acquired pneumonia: Cross sectional study.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Immunoglobulins (Igs) and B cells quantification studies in CAP are few and show discrepancies. Serum IgA acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory factor, but its role in the CAP has not yet been defined. The highly sensitive xMAP Luminex technique allows better immunoglobulins quantification. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between clinical severity and circulating Igs and B cells in adults with CAP.Igs (M, A, G1, G2, G3, and G4) and B cells were quantified in peripheral blood of 190 Chilean patients ≥18 years old hospitalized for CAP and in 21 adults without respiratory disease, using xMAP Luminex and flow cytometry, respectively. Clinical history was recorded and PSI and CURB-65 scores were calculated for evaluation of clinical severity.The total IgM, IgG2 and total IgG levels were lower in CAP than in asymptomatic adults (P < .05). No significant differences of Igs levels were found between patients classified as severe and mild by PSI and CURB-65 scores. Fatal cases had higher levels of IgA (P < .05). No differences in CD19 B cells frequency was found between CAP and asymptomatic adults (P = .40). In PSI severe cases, CD19 B cells were significantly lower than in mild cases (P = .008). No differences were found in CURB-65 severe and mild groups (P = .11). In fatal cases (11/82) group, CD19 B cells frequency was lower than in 71 survivors (P = .2). No differences in memory B lymphocytes were detected between asymptomatic and CAP adults, severe and mild patients, survivors and fatal cases (P > .05).Serum IgA levels were significantly higher in fatal CAP cases, raising it as a potential biomarker for severe disease considering its relatively universal availability. In PSI severe patients, B cells showed lower levels and could have a role on its physiopathology. Finding new markers rooted in physiopathology could improve the possibility of scoring severe CAP cases. Luminex technology showed promising quantification serum Igs.

Severe community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pyogenes in the Newcastle area.

An apparent increase in the incidence of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus - GAS) was observed during 2017 in the Newcastle area. The study was undertaken to establish whether there was a true increase in severe S. pyogenes pneumonia and to explore its epidemiology and clinical features. The study was a retrospective descriptive study of S. pyogenes pneumonia set in two tertiary referral hospitals in Newcastle, a large regional city, during the period 2007 to 2018. Subjects were adults identified as having S. pyogenes pneumonia by searching a database of severe CAP (defined as requiring intensive care unit [ICU] admission) for the period 2007-2018. Laboratory records were also searched for sterile site isolates of S. pyogenes to identify patients not requiring ICU admission. There were 13 cases of S. pyogenes CAP identified during the study period, of whom 12 (92%) required ICU admission. S. pyogenes accounted for 12/728 (1.6%) cases of severe CAP during the study period. The severity of S. pyogenes pneumonia was high despite a mean patient age of 48 years and 7/13 (54%) having no significant past medical history. The mortality rate was 2/13 (15%). Viral co-infection was found in 6/12 (50%) of patients tested. Overall 7/12 (58%) of the patients with severe S. pyogenes CAP during the study period presented in the winter or spring of 2017. Streptococcus pyogenes is a rare cause of severe CAP in the Newcastle area, but there was a marked increase in frequency observed during the 2017 influenza season. Further study of the epidemiology of invasive GAS (iGAS) disease in Newcastle is warranted to identify emerging trends in this severe infection.

Comparative Efficacy of Beta-Lactams and Macrolides in the Treatment of Pediatric Pneumonia: A Systematic Review.

Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma that is differentiated among three main diagnoses: community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP). Though CAP is initially presented as a mild infection, it contributes to childhood mortality rates globally. A vast number of pathogens are the cause of CAP, but the two main causative organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, with the former causing up to 50% of all childhood cases. In the current treatment guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), amoxicillin is the recommended treatment choice for mild-to-moderate CAP while ampicillin is recommended for cases of severe CAP. Previous studies compared treatment between macrolides and beta-lactams to provide more information on the effectiveness in the pediatric population. The objective of this article is to systematically review the literature on the comparative efficacy of beta-lactams and macrolides in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia among children and to evaluate the outcomes that are used to determine drug efficacy in order to provide medication recommendations. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, TRIP, Cochrane and SCOPUS. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials between the years 2000 and 2020 that compared the efficacy of amoxicillin and macrolides in treating pediatric pneumonia were included in the systematic review. Eligible patients included patients who were 17 years and younger, diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, and were given beta-lactams or macrolides, either as monotherapy or combination. Two reviewers were involved in the appraisal process to assess the quality of the methods used in the selected studies. A total of six articles were eligible according to the inclusion criteria and quality assessment. Four articles compared beta-lactam monotherapy with beta-lactam and macrolide combination therapy, while Kogan R et al. compared macrolide therapy monotherapy with beta-lactam and macrolide combination therapy and Leyenaar JK et al. compared ceftriaxone monotherapy to ceftriaxone plus macrolide combination therapy. The studies defined treatment failure as either a change in antibiotic therapy or hospital admission within 14 days of CAP diagnosis. Three studies used the length of hospital stay as their primary outcome for comparison of treatment efficacy. Four studies showed that the use of macrolides provided better treatment outcomes by reducing hospital stay and treatment failure rates. Beta-lactam and macrolide combination therapy did not show a significant effect on treatment failure compared to beta-lactam monotherapy regimens and it did not affect mortality compared to placebo or diet alone. Within the macrolide class, azithromycin was more clinically significant compared to erythromycin. The use of macrolides as monotherapy or add-on therapy to beta-lactams is more effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in the pediatric population.

Ceftaroline for severe community-acquired pneumonia: A real-world two-centre experience in Italy and Spain

BackgroundCeftaroline is one of latest additions to the armamentarium for treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aimed to describe the outcome of severe CAP (SCAP) in a cohort of hospitalised patients treated with ceftaroline. MethodsA retrospective, observational study of patients with SCAP treated with ceftaroline in two hospitals in Spain and Italy. The primary objective was to explore 30-day mortality after diagnosis of SCAP. ResultsDuring the study period the following were observed: there were 89 cases of SCAP treated with ceftaroline and 53 cases used in combination with other antibiotics (60%). Overall, 30-day mortality and clinical failure were 20% (18 of 89) and 36% (32 of 89), respectively. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were: increasing age (OR for 1 year increase 1.0, 95% CI 1.0–1.1, P 0.043), presence of solid neoplasm (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.0–15.1, P 0.044) and concomitant therapy with oseltamivir (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.2°57.3, P 0.029). The only independent predictor of clinical failure was the time elapsing from SCAP diagnosis to ceftaroline therapy (OR for each passing day 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–1.9, P 0.003). The clinical success rate was 64% (57 of 89). In the subgroups of patients with proven Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection, clinical success was 83% (10 of 12), 75% (three of four) and 56% (five of nine), respectively. ConclusionsConsidering its spectrum of activity, ceftaroline could represent an important therapeutic option for SCAP. Further studies are needed to identify the precise clinical success rate against MRSA in a larger cohort of patients with SCAP.

Clinical case of severe community-acquired pneumonia, complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome

Nowadays, pneumonia continues to be an important medical and social problem, which is associated with an increase in prevalence, disability and mortality rates worldwide. According to epidemiological studies, among patients with pneumonia, men predominate — 55 %, the prevalence and severity of the disease increases with age. According to official statistics, in 2017 the incidence of adult pneumonia in Ukraine amounted to 384.0 per 100,000 of the population, and mortality — 11.7 per 100,000.Community­acquired pneumonia (CAP), which occurred outside of medical facilities or was diagnosed within the first 48 hours of hospitalization, is one of the most common clinical conditions in the adult population. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on the background of CAP deserves of the special attention, the main characteristic features of which are bilateral lung tissue infiltration and severe hypoxemia in the absence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, whose total mortality is 40—60 % and is compared with mortality from lung cancer.We present the results of the successful treatment of a patient with severe CAP complicated by ARDS on the basis of the Kharkiv Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region in this publication. The treatment was carried out in accordance with a unified protocol for the provision of medical care to adults, patients with CAP and ARDS.Comprehensive treatment of the patient was accompanied by pronounced positive dynamics of the pathological process, which led to a complete radiological recovery. On the 24th day, he was discharged from the clinic in satisfactory condition with recommendations regarding lifestyle and further sanatorium treatment.

Anemia and Low Albumin Levels Are Associated with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Pregnancy: A Case-Control Study.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common form of pneumonia in pregnancy and may lead to severe adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Severe CAP (SCAP) is defined as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and with septic shock with the need for vasopressors. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and factors associated with SCAP in pregnancy. The present study was a case-control study of pregnant women hospitalized between September 2012 and September 2017 at nine tertiary hospitals in China. Among 358,424 pregnant women, we found 35 SCAP cases and 393 common CAP cases. The 35 SCAP cases were matched 1:4 with common CAP cases (n = 140), based on patient age and gestational weeks. Infection indicators, hemoglobin, platelets, coagulation function, liver, and kidney function markers, myocardial enzyme, arterial oxygen pressure/fraction inspired oxygen (PO2/FiO2), and partial echocardiographic results were different between the two groups at admission (all P < 0.05). The univariable analyses indicated significant differences for hemoglobin, BMI, irregular obstetric examination, albumin, and white blood cells (all P < 0.05) between the common CAP and SCAP groups. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that hemoglobin (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97, P = 0.01), BMI (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22-0.81, P = 0.01), and serum albumin (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19-0.69, P = 0.002) were independently associated with SCAP. Anemia and low serum albumin are possibly associated with SCAP in pregnancy. The results indicate that anemia and albumin levels should be examined and properly treated in pregnant women with CAP.

Community Acquired Pneumonia Associated Fatal Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome

The burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospitalization among adults is substantial and is a leading infectious cause of hospitalization and death. Severe CAP may rarely get complicated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The term hemophagocytosis refers to the pathologic finding of activated macrophages engulfing erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, or their precursor cells in the bone marrow, liver, or lymph nodes; this being characteristic for hemophagocytic syndrome. HLH can be primary or secondary and has a high mortality if left untreated. We report a case of severe CAP with secondary HLH in a 26-year-old male, who presented with fever, pancytopenia, jaundice, and pneumonia due to polymicrobial infection. This case report is presented to enlighten clinicians about the clinical entity of HLH and to suspect and recognize this rare and fatal disease.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Pharmacotherapy Primer

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Pharmacotherapy Primer