Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome as Independent Risk Factor for Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Evidence from a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Pulmonology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a complex condition involving interconnected comorbidities.
• The impact of CKM syndrome on pneumococcal pneumonia outcomes remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CKM syndrome stages and in-hospital adverse outcomes in adults with pneumococcal pneumonia.
• To assess the independent risk of CKM syndrome for mortality, severe respiratory failure (SRF), and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, territory-wide study of adult pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations in Hong Kong (2016-2024).
• Comparison of in-patient mortality, SRF, and AKI across different CKM syndrome stages (0-1, 2-3, 4a, 4b).
• Subgroup analyses conducted based on pneumococcal vaccination status.

Main Results:

• Higher CKM syndrome stages significantly correlated with increased risks of in-hospital death, SRF, and AKI.
• Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for death were 1.82 (Stage 4a) and 10.92 (Stage 4b).
• aOR for SRF were 1.43 (Stage 2-3), 1.88 (Stage 4a), and 28.42 (Stage 4b); aOR for AKI were 2.25 (Stage 2-3), 3.00 (Stage 4a), and 4.30 (Stage 4b).

Conclusions:

• CKM syndrome, particularly at advanced stages, is an independent risk factor for severe outcomes in pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Findings were consistent regardless of pneumococcal vaccination status.
• Highlights the critical role of managing CKM syndrome in mitigating pneumonia severity.