Abstract:
Background: Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
is third leading cause of death in older people
worldwide. Apart from typical symptoms the elderly
present with atypical symptoms. The diagnosis of
pneumonia and its treatment poses a challenge for
clinicians. Aim and Objectives: The study was
undertaken to study clinical, radiological and bacterial
profile of CAP in elderly (> 60years). Material and
Methods: The elderly patient population consisted of
63 patients admitted with the diagnosis of CAP, as
defined by British Thoracic society, were included in
this prospective observational study over 24 months.
Results: Among 63 patients, males were 38(60%) and
females 25(40%), predominantly between the age
group 60-74 years. Diabetes mellitus 12(19%) and
anaemia 12(19%) were common co-morbidities.
Cough 62(98%) was predominant presenting
symptom. Patients presenting with atypical symptoms
were 19(30%). Staphylococcus aureus was commonly
isolated organism in 20(32%) patients on sputum
examination. Left lower zone was commonly involved
in 29(47%) on chest radiogram. The commonest
complication was acute kidney injury in 9(15%).The
overall mortality was 13% in this study group.
Conclusion: CAP in elderly is a serious problem in
clinical practice. In view of atypical presentation and
associated co-morbidities, there is a delay in diagnosis,
treatment initiation which may result in to high
mortality. Early recognition, health education and
awareness regarding pneumococcal vaccination are
necessary.
