Articles tagged with Pneumonia
A study published in the European Respiratory Society found that adults hospitalized during school holidays are 38% more likely to develop pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia. The increased risk may be attributed to changes in child contact patterns and transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
An analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial found osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) reduced length of hospital stay and lowered in-hospital mortality rates for elderly pneumonia patients. OMT was associated with improved outcomes, particularly in the subgroup with the highest severity of illness.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a machine learning tool to diagnose childhood pneumonia more accurately and cost-effectively. The tool uses data from basic equipment such as pulse oximeters, thermometers, and stethoscopes, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to existing guidelines.
A study developed a prediction score to help healthcare professionals identify older adults at risk of developing pneumonia. The seven critical factors include age, chronic lung disease, smoking, and body mass index. This scoring system may encourage preventive measures such as vaccination and quitting smoking.
A new analysis of hospital data reveals 17 patient characteristics associated with developing postoperative pneumonia after cardiac surgery, including age, race, smoking habits, and white blood cell count. The study identifies proactive measures that can help patients reduce their risk of pneumonia through prehabilitation.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day or fewer antibiotic course for most hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections. Hospitals should create antibiograms to determine causative strains and ensure effective treatment.
A new solar-powered oxygen delivery system, developed by UAlberta, is providing concentrated oxygen to children with severe pneumonia in Ugandan hospitals. The system, which uses solar energy and batteries, has shown to be as effective as conventional oxygen delivery methods.
Researchers have discovered a new class of antimicrobial materials that use carbon nanodots to kill drug-resistant bacteria. The materials, which include molecules such as PAMAM, exhibit greater efficacy against certain strains of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and may also enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
A study found that a better nurse work environment can increase VAP risk, while a closed physician staffing model is not significantly associated with lower VAP risk. The interaction between the two factors reveals a complex relationship where better work environments may minimize VAP in open ICUs but increase it in closed ICUs.
A study found that Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals had lower 30-day all-cause mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure, but higher readmission rates for these conditions compared to non-VA hospitals. The findings suggest that VA hospitals are starting from a better place in terms of quality care than two decades ago.
Aging is associated with chronic low-level inflammation, which can impair white blood cells' ability to fight infection. Reducing inflammation in older adults helps clear infections and improve recovery.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that monocytes, immune cells central to inflammation, contribute to age-associated inflammation and impaired anti-pneumococcal function. Lowering TNF levels may be an effective strategy to improve host defense against pneumonia in older adults.
A harmless bacterium found in the nose can inhibit a major cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections. The study provides evidence that Corynebacterium accolens releases antibacterial free fatty acids from human nostrils and skin surface triacylglycerols.
Researchers found that including patient decisions about life-sustaining treatments in hospital mortality rankings resulted in substantial changes to hospital rankings. Hospitals admitting more patients who chose a 'DNR' status tended to have greater patient satisfaction and high performance on pneumonia care measures.
A study found that children who had bronchiolitis in early childhood are more likely to develop asthma by age 28-31 and experience reduced health-related quality of life. Lung function tests also show signs of irreversible airway obstruction, a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A new study published in JAMA found that flu vaccination can prevent up to 57% of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia. The research used data from over 2,700 patients and showed that the vaccine not only prevents symptoms but also serious complications like pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
A study published in JAMA found that more than half of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia could be prevented by influenza vaccination. The study used data from 2,767 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia during three consecutive influenza seasons.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with influenza-associated pneumonia are less likely to have received a flu vaccination compared to those with non-influenza pneumonia. The study estimated a 57% lower odds ratio of vaccination among cases hospitalized with influenza-associated pneumonia.
Research findings suggest that intensive care units (ICUs) may be beneficial for older adults with pneumonia, with a nearly 6% improvement in survival associated with ICU admission. The costs to Medicare and hospitals were the same for both groups, despite the ICU's reputation as a high-cost place to care for patients.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries found that older patients with pneumonia who were admitted to the ICU had lower mortality rates compared to those admitted to general wards. The study also showed no significant differences in Medicare spending or hospital costs between the two groups.
A study found that cases flagged by 3M as preventable received no worse care than unflagged cases, suggesting that the measure may not accurately capture quality of care. The researchers concluded that either PPR flagged cases are not more preventable or that assessment requires other data collection methods.
A study of over 1 million Medicare recipients found that flu vaccines with a high match rate to the prevalent strain reduced pneumonia hospitalizations by 4.2% and deaths by 2.0%. The study estimated lives saved and prevented hospitalizations annually in long-stay nursing home residents.
A study published by McMaster University has shown that corticosteroid therapy significantly benefits patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The research found that corticosteroids can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation from 9% to 5% of patients and decrease the risk of life-threatening complications.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that liver activation is essential for maintaining adequate immune responses in the lungs against bacterial pneumonia. The study used a model system to demonstrate how a lack of liver response increases susceptibility to pneumonia.
Scientists at the University of Southampton will analyze research investments into infectious disease research, particularly pneumonia and maternal and neonatal infections. The study aims to provide policymakers with a comprehensive picture of where there's been a lack of funding relative to the impact of the disease.
Research by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children hospitalized for bronchiolitis and pneumonia tend to live in areas with less optimal socioeconomic conditions. The study identified specific inner-city neighborhoods as 'hot spots' for hospitalization, suggesting targeted prevention and cost containment efforts.
A new study found that UK investment in pneumonia research was less than £43.08 per death, despite rising substantially since 2010. Total funding for pneumonia between 2011-2013 exceeded total investment across the previous 14 years for tuberculosis and influenza.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that viruses, not bacteria, are the most commonly detected respiratory pathogens in U.S. adults hospitalized with pneumonia. The study highlights the need for more sensitive rapid diagnostic tests to identify pneumonia pathogens and target appropriate treatments.
A new approach to diagnose pneumonia in critically ill patients has been identified through a breath analysis method. The study found that chemically analyzing breath specimens can reveal bacterial infection in ventilated patients at risk of developing pneumonia, providing a potential game-changer for clinical practice.
New study reveals a decline in the use of third-generation cephalosporins, a broader-spectrum class of antibiotics, and an increase in narrow-spectrum antibiotics like ampicillin. The findings suggest that local dissemination efforts played a crucial role in adopting the new national guidelines.
A Boston University School of Medicine researcher has been awarded a four-year, $1.6 million NIH grant to investigate how immunity to pneumonia develops and protects certain individuals. The study aims to understand the role of resident memory T cells in preventing pneumonia and identify who is most likely to get the disease.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new treatment that prevents Klebsiella pneumonia from blocking the body's natural defences. The therapy uses an inhibitor to stop the superbug from taking over a protein in white blood cells, making it capable of killing the infection.
A large outcomes study found that community-acquired pneumonia increases long-term morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population. CAP patients have high rates of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, and pneumonia-related hospital visits.
A study by researchers from the University of Seville found that high concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) in urban areas increase hospital admissions for children with respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis. Reducing PM2.5 levels to the recommended WHO threshold could lead to a daily saving ...
A meta-analysis of 38 studies found that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatment for COPD may lower the risk of dying from pneumonia and other causes. The treatment also appears to decrease mortality risk when confounding factors are adjusted for.
A study found that readmissions for severe sepsis are comparable to those for heart failure and pneumonia, highlighting the significant burden of this condition. Researchers analyzed inpatient discharges from Bellevue Hospital between 2011-2014 and identified a readmission rate of 15.31%.
A study by LSTM scientists found that household air pollution (HAP) can cause weaknesses in the immune function of the lung, leading to higher rates of pneumonia. Healthy volunteers exposed to HAP showed a weaker killing response from their macrophage cells.
A new study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that lymphatic pump treatment (LPT) significantly improves treatment outcomes for pneumonia when combined with antibiotics. LPT removes bacteria from the lungs and enhances the efficacy of antibiotics, leading to a 60% success rate among infected rats.
Researchers analyzed data on 325 cancer patients hospitalized with pneumonia and found that severe illness and organ dysfunction are better predictors of outcome than multiresistant bacteria. The study suggests personalized treatment protocols can reduce mortality in these patients.
A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of hospitalizations for severe sepsis can be prevented or treated early to avoid rehospitalization. The most common readmission diagnoses included ambulatory care sensitive conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center researchers found that using advanced clinical decision support tools reduces mortality for pneumonia patients. The tool, which analyzes 40 different factors to calculate a patient's risk of having pneumonia, saved up to 12 lives in hospitals where it was used.
A Group Health study of over 3,000 patients found that anticholinergic medications increase the risk of pneumonia in older adults. The study suggests that clinicians should review medications regularly to identify potential risks and explore alternative treatments.
A multicenter study found that respiratory viruses, particularly RSV and human rhinovirus, are the leading causes of pneumonia in children. The study, which included over 2,300 hospitalizations, revealed that viral infections accounted for 81% of cases, while bacterial infections were responsible for only 8%. The findings suggest that ...
A large study found that viral infections are more common than bacterial infections in children with pneumonia, with respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus being major culprits. The results suggest a need for improved prevention and treatment strategies to address the growing burden of childhood pneumonia.
A study found that corticosteroid methylprednisolone decreased treatment failure among patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and high initial inflammatory response. Corticosteroids reduced the risk of treatment failure by 66%, suggesting their potential use as adjunctive treatment for this clinical population.
A Duke University study found that rural Indian healthcare providers frequently misdiagnose and mistreat childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. The study revealed that even providers with formal medical training were likely to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics or other potentially harmful drugs.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed an antibody that boosts survival chances for patients with influenza and pneumonia. The antibody, proven effective in lab tests, can also be used to develop a diagnostic kit to track treatment effectiveness.
A study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for pneumonia is associated with an increased short-term and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk was highest in the first 30 days after hospitalization, with a 4-fold higher risk compared to those without pneumonia.
A recent study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for pneumonia significantly raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created inhalable vaccines targeting lung diseases by modifying particle surface charge, inducing local and systemic immune responses. This novel approach may lead to improved vaccine accessibility in low-resource areas without refrigeration requirements.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that RSV infection may increase the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, especially in infants. High RSV activity was associated with significant increases in pneumococcal disease among children under one year old.
A global study found that HIV-positive children in developing countries are six times more likely to die from pneumonia than their non-HIV positive peers. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the need for improved early testing for HIV in infants, antiretroviral therapy and vaccination.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been awarded two substantial grants to further develop and utilise its Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage (EHPC) model. The first grant, worth $2.5 million, will investigate whether a nasal spray flu vaccine alters pneumococcal carriage.
A new pneumonia vaccine has led to a 27% decline in hospital admissions among children under 2 in Tennessee, with an overall 72% reduction since introduction of the first vaccine in 2000. The success of pneumococcal vaccines challenges common assumptions about antibiotic treatments for childhood pneumonia.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi causing pneumonia by analyzing patients' breath samples. The test identified 94% of patients with invasive aspergillosis, making it a potential tool for earlier and more targeted treatment.
A team of scientists found that female mice are more resistant to respiratory infections due to the presence of an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase 3, which is triggered by estrogen. The researchers hope to develop drugs targeting this enzyme to improve resistance to common lung infections.
A growing body of evidence links metal fumes to a heightened risk of bacterial lobar pneumonia in welders. New data shows welders are more than 3.5 times as likely to die from pneumococcal pneumonia compared to other workers.
Annual incidences of venous thromboembolism range from 0.75 to 2.69 per 1,000 individuals globally. Hospital-acquired cases contribute significantly to years lost due to ill-health.
A recent study published by the International Association for Dental Research found that sleeping in dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in elderly individuals. The research, which followed over 500 seniors, identified that overnight denture wear was independently associated with a 2.3-fold higher risk of pneumonia incidence.
A randomized clinical trial found that monotherapy with β-lactam alone was not inferior to combination therapy with a macrolide for patients hospitalized with moderately severe pneumonia. The study suggested that dual antibiotic therapy may be necessary to treat atypical pathogens and prevent readmissions.