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Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: clinical analysis of 45 cases
Y C Juang1, Y C Chiang, T C Tsao
1Department of Chest Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R. O. C.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. Pneumoniae) is a primarily pathogen of the respiratory tract. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and roentgenographic patterns of 45 patients with serologically proven M. pneumoniae pneumonia admitted to Chang Gung Hospital from 1981 to 1989 have been reviewed. There were 23 males and 22 females. Forty-one (91%) were below 40 years old and 13 patients (29%) were below 5 years old. Fever, cough and chest rales were the most common symptoms and signs. A transient mild elevation of liver enzymes was seen in 33% of the patients, most of whom were below the age of ten (73%). A leukocyte count over 15,000/cu mm was not rare (16%). Roentgenographic features included unilateral infiltration (84%), lower lobe predominance (60%), and either confluent (56%) or patchy (33%) consolidation. Pleural effusion occurred in 24% of the patients. Complete resolution of chest roentgenography took from 8 to 42 days with a mean of 20 days. The response of fever to treatment with erythromycin took from 1 to 6 days with a mean of 3 days. There were no life threatening pulmonic or extrapulmonic complications.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia commonly affects individuals under 40. This study reviews clinical, lab, and imaging findings in 45 patients, noting common symptoms and typical chest X-ray results.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant respiratory pathogen.
- Pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae presents with diverse clinical and radiographic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and radiographic patterns of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.
- To understand the typical presentation and outcomes in a cohort of patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 45 patients with serologically proven M. pneumoniae pneumonia.
- Analysis of clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and chest roentgenographic findings.
Main Results:
- Most patients (91%) were under 40 years old, with 29% under 5.
- Common symptoms included fever, cough, and chest rales. Mild liver enzyme elevation occurred in 33% of patients.
- Radiographic findings showed unilateral infiltration (84%), lower lobe predominance (60%), and consolidation. Pleural effusion was seen in 24%.
Conclusions:
- M. pneumoniae pneumonia typically affects younger individuals and presents with characteristic symptoms and radiographic findings.
- Complete resolution of radiographic findings averaged 20 days, with fever responding to erythromycin within 3 days.
- No life-threatening complications were observed in this patient cohort.