IS THE COURSE OF PNEUMONIA THE SAME IN ELDERLY AND OLDER PATIENTS?

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumonia is a major mortality and morbidity reason among elderly. Age limit is commonly accepted as 65 years, but actually age definition varies by country. Objective: In the present study we aimed to evaluate the course of pneumonia in patients age 75 and older as 75-84 years and 85 and older patients. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective cohort study in a chest disease clinic between January 2009 and May 2013. Pneumonia patients aged 75 and older followed in chest disease ward were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in two groups: 75-84 years and 85 and older. Demographics, CURB65 score, hospital and short term mortality (mortality within 30 days after discharge) were recorded. Results: A total number of 116 pneumonia patients, 54% male were enrolled. The mean age was 83 +/- 5 years. There were 76 patients in 75-84 years group and 40 in 85 and older group. The incidence of congestive heart failure/coronary artery disease was significantly higher in 85 and older patients (P = 0.002). Penicillins and cephalosporins were the most commonly used antibiotics. In both age groups in-hospital and short-term mortalities were similar. The length of hospital stay was similar in both age groups, but 75-84 years patients were more likely to transfer to intensive care unit than 85 and older patients (11% vs. 3%, p = 0.13) Conclusion: The course of pneumonia, LOS, and in-hospital and short-term mortality are analogous among 75-84 years and 85 and older patients. Close clinical follow-up, good compliance to guidelines and a good management to comorbidities is required. As multidisciplinary approach and close follow-up is vital for elderly patients, a focus on hospital workforce conditions while planning and organizing is essential.