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Nosocomial pneumonia in medical intensive care unit

T H Trivedi1, S B Shejale, M E Yeolekar

  • 1Department of Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai 22.

Abstract

Insights

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) affects 9.38% of admissions, with high mortality linked to age, comorbidities, and ventilation. Early intervention and antibiotics can improve outcomes for these critical patients.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) is a significant concern in medical intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Understanding the incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors of NP is crucial for patient management.
  • The impact of comorbidities and mechanical ventilation on NP outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, clinical features, microbiological flora, and prognosis of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in a medical intensive care unit (ICU).
  • To evaluate the influence of comorbid illnesses, intubation, and mechanical ventilation on patient outcomes in the ICU.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over one year, analyzing 89 patients diagnosed with nosocomial pneumonia among 948 ICU admissions.
  • Patients underwent radiological, microbiological, and biochemical investigations.
  • Mortality rates were correlated with various factors using the chi-square test.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of NP was 9.38%, with enteric gram-negative organisms and Staph aureus being the most common pathogens.
  • Severe pneumonia, intubation, and mechanical ventilation were required in 73%, 52.8%, and 47.2% of patients, respectively.
  • Overall mortality was 21.3%, with significantly higher mortality observed in patients with smoking habits, advanced age, comorbid conditions (DM, COAD), ARDS, sepsis with end-organ failure, and those requiring intubation or mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • Nosocomial pneumonia presents a substantial challenge in medical ICUs, associated with considerable mortality.
  • Advanced age, comorbid illnesses, ARDS, and end-organ failure are identified as high-risk factors for mortality.
  • Intensive supportive care and appropriate antibiotic therapy are vital for improving survival rates in patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

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