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Sleeping in dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in the elderly

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.

Rehospitalization in younger patients

A large cohort study found that younger patients (18-64) have higher readmission rates for heart failure than older adults, but lower rates for myocardial infarction and pneumonia. After adjusting for confounding factors, the study suggests a post-hospital syndrome in both age groups, with similar timing and reasons for readmission

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 30, 2014

How pneumonia bacteria can compromise heart health

Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae, the cause of most cases of bacterial pneumonia, can invade the heart and cause death of heart muscle cells. The study found that the pneumolysin toxin is responsible for this damage, and that an experimental vaccine formulation protected mice against cardiac invasion and heart damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 18, 2014

Penicillin equally effective as 'big gun' antibiotics for treating less severe childhood pneumonia

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as ampicillin and penicillin, are equally effective as broad-spectrum antibiotics in treating less severe childhood pneumonia. The study, published in Pediatrics, compared outcomes among children hospitalized with pneumonia between 2005 and 2011, receiving either narrow-spectrum or broad-spectrum antib...

Inhaled corticosteroids raise pneumonia risk

A University of Alberta research team found that inhaled corticosteroid use was associated with a 90% increase in risk for repeat pneumonia episodes among elderly patients. The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, suggests health professionals should exercise caution when prescribing the drugs to high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 18, 2013

Vaccinated children: A powerful protection for older adults, Vanderbilt study shows

A new Vanderbilt study finds that vaccinated children are reducing the spread of pneumonia to grandparents and other older adults. The vaccine has been linked to a 40% reduction in pneumonia hospitalizations among young children, while also benefiting older adults with significant reductions in hospitalizations across age groups.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 10, 2013

Pneumonia revealed in a cough

A new technique uses cough sound analysis to diagnose pneumonia in children, with over 90% sensitivity and a low false positive rate. This method has the potential to revolutionize childhood pneumonia diagnosis in resource-poor regions.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 27, 2013

Influenza infection increases likelihood of bacterial pneumonia 100-fold, U-Michigan-led study finds

A University of Michigan-led study found that influenza infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing pneumococcal pneumonia, with a risk increase of up to 100-fold. The study suggests that vaccination against both flu and pneumococcal disease is crucial in reducing bacterial pneumonia incidence.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 26, 2013