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[Streptococcus pneumoniae septicemia. Analysis of 40 cases]
L M Noriega1, P González, C Canals
1Servicio de Medicina, Hospital Dr Sótero del Rio, P Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago.
Revista Medica De Chile
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis is a serious infection with high mortality. This review highlights risk factors and complications, suggesting vaccination for high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Sepsis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae presents a significant public health challenge.
- Community-acquired infections are a major source of S. pneumoniae sepsis.
- Respiratory tract infections are the primary entry point for S. pneumoniae.
Purpose:
- To retrospectively analyze episodes of Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis in adult patients.
- To identify risk factors, common portals of entry, and mortality associated with S. pneumoniae sepsis.
- To evaluate the incidence of suppurative complications in sepsis patients.
Summary:
- A two-year retrospective review identified 40 episodes of S. pneumoniae sepsis in adults, accounting for 11.3% of all sepsis cases.
- Ninety-two percent of infections were community-acquired, with the respiratory tract as the portal of entry in 95% of cases.
- Eighty-five percent of patients had risk factors like alcohol abuse, unconsciousness, or chronic pulmonary disease. Twelve patients (30%) died, and nine experienced suppurative complications.
Impact:
- This study underscores the severity of S. pneumoniae sepsis, particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors.
- The findings support the consideration of antipneumococcal vaccination for high-risk populations to prevent severe outcomes.
- Understanding the epidemiology and complications of S. pneumoniae sepsis can inform clinical management and public health strategies.