Articles tagged with Pneumonia
A new study reveals that lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are responsible for one in seven child deaths worldwide. Since 1990, vaccines, improved nutrition, and better indoor air quality have substantially reduced LRI deaths, but progress has lagged behind other childhood infectious diseases.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to experience hospital readmissions and return emergency department visits. The observational study examined two Toronto hospitals and found that those with limited proficiency were more prone to complications and required additional care.
The American Journal of Roentgenology review article details common imaging manifestations of vaping-associated lung injury, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and organizing pneumonia. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns in radiologists to prompt clinical teams to ask a...
The new guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults, with a focus on outpatient settings. It suggests using amoxicillin as first-line empiric therapy, while also recommending more microscopic studies of respiratory tract samples to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
A new AI system can accurately identify key findings in chest X-rays of pneumonia patients in just 10 seconds, significantly outperforming current clinical practice. This ultra-quick detection enables physicians to confirm a pneumonia diagnosis faster, allowing for timely treatment and reducing delays for severely ill patients.
A study published in Mucosal Immunology reveals that ASC and NLRP3 are key players in maintaining innate immune homeostasis in the airway, independent of caspase-1. This alternative mechanism may provide a new understanding of different possible mechanisms involved in airway protection against microbial infections.
Researchers discovered that a common type of gut bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, produces high levels of alcohol in the body and can cause liver damage even in non-drinkers. The study found that 60% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had high- and medium-alcohol-producing K. pneumonia in their gut.
Researchers at University of Utah Health identified large immune cells containing oily droplets in the lungs of vaping patients, enabling faster diagnoses and shedding light on the mysterious condition. The discovery may lead to better treatment options and a deeper understanding of the illness's causes.
Researchers at Umea University found that bacteria release hydrogen peroxide to inactivate inflammasomes, a key component of the immune system. Vitamins like Vitamin C may boost anti-bacterial immunity by neutralizing hydrogen peroxide.
A UC researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to study the sexual reproduction cycle of Pneumocystis pneumonia, a pathogen that causes lung infections in immunocompromised patients. Testing echinocandins as a potential therapy could block transmission of the pathogen.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of pneumonia patients in Michigan hospitals received excessive antibiotic prescriptions, with most written during the discharge process. This over-treatment can lead to physical side effects and does not improve patient outcomes.
A new study in Hawaii tallies nearly 82 human infections from the rat lungworm parasite over a decade, highlighting snails and slugs as primary carriers. Meanwhile, research on bednet monitoring reveals high variability in household use, which could be contributing to declining efficacy in malaria prevention.
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identifies viruses as the main causes of severe childhood pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounted for nearly a third of all cases, with other top causes including rhinovirus and S. pneumoniae bacteria.
Researchers found almost 60% of patients were over 65, and nearly a third lived in socio-economically deprived areas. The study also revealed high rates of the disease in regions with previously low numbers of cases, including Canterbury and Hawkes Bay.
The study reveals 621 genetic strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae worldwide, showing evolutionary changes that lead to vaccine evasion. It provides crucial information for future vaccine strategy and helps save lives by identifying important strains for new vaccines.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that nearly 74% of preschool children with community-acquired pneumonia receive unnecessary antibiotics, while 43% undergo chest X-rays despite guidelines against routine use. This overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance and side effects.
Research suggests that closed ICUs with primary ICU responsibility may lower hospital-acquired infection rates. Central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-acquired pneumonia were reduced after the transition from open to closed ICU.
Researchers found that infants with bacterial pneumonia were more likely to require supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, or steroids due to lingering breathing issues. The study suggests a potential long-term impact of bacterial pneumonia on lung health in vulnerable populations.
Researchers from the University of Southampton analyzed predictors of severe outcomes in uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections. The study found that certain patient characteristics and factors can increase the risk of severe illness, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
A review of published studies indicates that use of benzodiazepines and related drugs may increase the risk of pneumonia. The analysis found a 1.25-fold higher odds for developing pneumonia among current and recent BZRD users compared to non-users.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that prescribed opioids increase the risk of pneumonia in individuals with and without HIV. Patients taking medium or high doses of opioid painkillers were at greater risk for pneumonia, particularly those with immunosuppressive properties.
An observational study found that HRRP implementation was associated with increased 30-day postdischarge mortality for heart failure and pneumonia patients. However, no association was seen for patients hospitalized for heart attack.
Researchers found that influenza virus impairs immune response to pneumococcus, especially monocyte activity. The study identified a key cellular mechanism controlling pneumococci proliferation and movement from nose to lungs.
A nationwide Danish study found a significant increase in postoperative infections, pneumonia, and community-based antibiotics after hip fracture surgery between 2005 and 2016. The risk of hospital-treated infections increased by 32% and pneumonia by 70%, with higher risks among elderly patients.
Researchers found that pneumolysin can interact with a special receptor in immune cells, triggering an anti-inflammatory response. This allows the bacteria to hide from further attack and grow, eventually giving rise to pneumonia. The study's findings may lead to new strategies for tackling pneumococcal infections.
A new study found that patients with bacterial pneumonia are at a 60% greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those with viral pneumonia. Researchers recommend aggressive treatment and close monitoring for patients with bacterial pneumonia, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions.
The report analyzes 15 countries with the greatest number of deaths from these illnesses, finding that progress is being hampered by persistent inequities. Eight out of 15 countries failed to meet targets for key interventions, highlighting the need for improved access to prevention and treatment.
A new vaccine against deadly foal pneumonia has been developed after decades of research, with the potential to save thousands of foals' lives. The vaccine protects against Rhodococcus equi infection, which can cause severe pneumonia and fatality rates ranging from 20% to 40%.
Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.
Research from over 1000 US hospitals found that obese and overweight patients hospitalised for pneumonia have improved survival rates compared to normal-weight patients. The study, which analyzed data from almost 1.7 million patient episodes, found that increasing body mass index was significantly associated with improved survival in p...
A new automated system has been developed to identify patients at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia, outperforming traditional manual surveillance methods. The system uses an algorithm to analyze electronic health records and was found to be 100% accurate in detecting ventilator-associated events.
Researchers found a statistical link between long-term PPI use and pneumonia in older adults, highlighting the need for caution. The study analyzed data from medical records and identified over 75,000 patients who received PPIs, suggesting that these medications may not be as safe as previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that antimicrobial therapy can prevent sepsis and life-threatening disease in people suffering from pneumonia. By targeting specific immune cells, this treatment can abort the phase of intracellular replication that protects bacteria from antibiotics.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hospital quality report cards and readmission penalties may not tell the whole story. The research revealed that when non-Medicare patients and unreported conditions are taken into account, half of hospitals would be subject to a change in their financial penalty status.
A new AI platform can diagnose two common retinal diseases and rate their severity with over 95% accuracy, as well as distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia. This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and increase access to care in remote areas.
A new study reveals that younger patients account for half of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, most of which occur outside the ICU. The research highlights gaps in pneumonia preventive measures as a contributing factor to the increased risk. Standardizing protocols for preventive care can help reduce rates of NV-HAP.
A study by University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare found that bad air quality in the region causes more than 200 pneumonia cases each year, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. The research also estimates that improving air quality could save up to $1.6 million in healthcare costs annually.
A large study found that testing for fever, high pulse rate, crackly breath sounds, and low oxygen levels could help distinguish pneumonia from less serious infections. The researchers suggest using these four measures to identify patients who need treatment with antibiotics, while reducing unnecessary prescriptions.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that combination therapy with azithromycin is unnecessary in most cases of pediatric pneumonia. The study of 1418 children showed no significant differences in outcomes between patients treated with a single antibiotic versus a combination of antibiotics. The researchers argue t...
A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.
Researchers have identified a key protein, MgtE, that plays a crucial role in signaling bacteria to form clusters, or biofilms, in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The study reveals how fluctuations in magnesium levels influence MgtE activity, providing new insights into the development of chronic pneumonia.
A new superbug strain, ST11 CR-HvKP, has been discovered in a Hong Kong hospital outbreak, characterized by hyper-resistance and hypervirulence. The strain can cause untreatable and fatal infections in relatively healthy individuals, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and control policies.
Research at the University of Cincinnati reveals that stimuli inducing lung cell division increase the spread of influenza to the alveoli, making these cells a vulnerable target. Interventions preventing alveolar cell division reduce mortality in animal models, offering potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for influenza pn...
A new study published in JAMA found that reductions in hospital 30-day readmission rates were weakly but significantly correlated with reductions in hospital 30-day mortality rates after discharge. This suggests that hospitals' efforts to lower readmissions have not resulted in increased mortality.
Researchers developed a human lung tissue model to study pneumonia and found that viral pathogens inhibit the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. A new drug-based treatment was tested, which inhibits tyrosine kinase-2, restoring the immune system's ability to combat bacterial pathogens.
A recent study found that approximately 22.1 percent of adult patients prescribed antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia do not respond to treatment, highlighting the need for updated guidelines and more aggressive antibiotic therapy for vulnerable populations such as older adults. The study also revealed regional variations in t...
A study reveals that recovery from bacterial pneumonia leaves behind immune cells called resident memory T cells, which may be responsible for increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Manipulating these cells could provide novel treatment options for curing pneumonia.
Researchers found a significant association between respiratory infections and increased heart attack risk, with a 17-fold increase in the seven days following an infection. The study suggests that even mild upper respiratory tract infections can elevate the risk of heart attacks.
A study of over 152,000 asthma patients found that current use of inhaled corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. The highest risks were observed with higher doses of fluticasone-equivalent and budesonide.
Empyema is a potentially deadly accumulation of pus around the lungs, with a high mortality rate. New AATS guidelines provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management of empyema in adults and children.
Researchers found a 30% increased risk of pneumonia in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking benzodiazepines, particularly within the first 30 days of treatment. The study suggests that benzodiazepines' sedative nature may increase the risk of pneumonia by increasing saliva or food aspiration into the lungs.
Researchers have found that a hormone called hepcidin helps fight off bacterial pneumonia by limiting the spread of bacteria in the blood. Stimulating hepcidin production could be lifesaving for vulnerable patients, including those with iron overload or liver disease.
A new study found that rhinovirus, a common cause of the 'common cold', can lead to pneumonia and death in bone marrow transplant patients. The virus is more common than previously thought and is often overlooked in this population.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that asthma drugs Accolate and Singulair may prevent severe pneumonia by blocking the infection of alveolar air sacs. Early treatment with these drugs could potentially reduce mortality rates from influenza pneumonia, which can be deadly.
Patients with spinal cord injuries are at risk for various systemic complications, including pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Eighty percent of patients suffer from chronic pain, which affects their daily activities and emotional well-being.
Dr. Joseph P. Mizgerd, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has received an NIH award to study the biology of pneumonia, which kills more children worldwide than any other disease. He aims to advance lung defense against pneumonia and identify prevention strategies for chronic disease of aging.
A study of 12 years of community-acquired pneumonia data found that while the condition occurs throughout all seasons, winter is the peak season for pathogen variation. The research suggests that community-acquired pneumonia can no longer be classified as a seasonal disease.
UC researchers have identified a new drug pathway to combat Pneumocystis pneumonia, which affects immune-compromised individuals and is often fatal. The study found that inhibiting the fungus's inositol transporter could be an effective treatment, offering hope for patients with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive drugs.
A two-year study led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine found no significant reduction in pneumonia cases among children using cleaner burning biomass-fueled cookstoves. However, a secondary analysis showed a 42% decrease in non-serious burns in the cookstove group.
A recent study found memantine and rivastigmine patches increase pneumonia risk by 1.6 and 1.15 times, respectively. In contrast, donepezil and galantamine were associated with the lowest risk of pneumonia.