Articles tagged with Pneumonia
A year-long study found that ceramic cookstoves in rural Kenya reduced air pollution but had no significant impact on pneumonia rates among young children. Despite lower smoke levels and respiratory symptoms, the stoves did not demonstrate a substantial health benefit.
Researchers found point-of-care ultrasound to be highly specific (97%) and sensitive (92%) for diagnosing pneumonia, outperforming the traditional method of auscultation by stethoscope. Ultrasound can also detect small pneumonias that a chest x-ray may miss, making it a valuable tool in pediatric care.
Research suggests that benzodiazepines may increase the risk of contracting pneumonia by as much as 50% and dying from it within 30 days. The study analyzed health records of over 9 million patients, finding a significant association between benzodiazepine use and increased risk of pneumonia and mortality.
A recent study from Henry Ford Hospital found that effective treatment for MRSA-related pneumonia can be achieved within 8-13 days, significantly reducing antibiotic exposure and side effects. Researchers evaluated 115 patients' medical charts and discovered that this shorter treatment duration resulted in the highest survival rate.
Researchers aim to improve protection against pneumonia with a higher dose of pneumococcal vaccine in older adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will compare two dosages of a pneumococcal vaccine approved for children and adults.
A new strategy is used to determine if observational studies have unmeasured factors, finding that PPIs may not increase the risk of pneumonia. The study suggests that patient or provider characteristics, rather than medication use, are driving these associations.
A study found sharp increases in heart failure and pneumonia following the Japanese earthquake, while stroke and cardio-pulmonary arrest rates followed seismic peaks. Blood pressure was also elevated, but medication disruptions may have contributed to cardiovascular events.
A new study found that pneumonia and preterm birth complications are leading causes of childhood death, accounting for 64% of deaths globally. Despite a decline in total deaths between 2000 and 2010, the reduction is not sufficient to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015.
Recent studies suggest a decline in pneumonia hospitalizations and inpatient deaths in the US. However, analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample reveals that trends in diagnostic coding, such as increased use of sepsis and respiratory failure codes, may be driving these declines.
A randomized trial found that rosuvastatin reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 17.8% compared to placebo. The absolute risk reduction was small, and the effects on infection may be greater in other settings.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases examined the causes of pneumonia among children in developing countries. The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) Project enrolled over 6,000 children and aimed to understand the interplay between risk factors and infection by deadly viruses and bacteria.
Scientists have discovered that stimulating brain hormones may help prevent a deadly second wave of death in patients with pneumonia. The research found that an agonist mimics the action of growth hormone-releasing hormone, which protects the air sacs and capillaries from fluid and cell damage.
A population-based surveillance system has been set up to assess the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on invasive pneumococcal disease and radiological pneumonia in children in The Gambia. Evidence of sustained reduction in these diseases due to PCVs is crucial for vaccine introduction and ongoing use.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that a pneumonia outbreak among endangered markhors in Tajikistan reduced their numbers by as much as 20 percent. The disease is believed to have been transmitted from domestic goats, highlighting the need for continuous disease surveillance.
Researchers found pneumonia to be the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 6% of patients. The study also revealed that most infections occur about two weeks after surgery, contradicting previous assumptions.
The study found that pneumonia is the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 2.4 percent of patients, followed by C. difficile colitis and bloodstream infections. Risk factors for infection include congestive heart failure, hypertension, and length of stay.
Researchers discovered a one-third reduction in severe pneumonia among young children in homes equipped with smoke-reducing chimneys. Exposure to open fires and dirty cooking stoves increases respiratory infections, affecting billions worldwide.
A new study funded by the NIH shows that wood stoves with chimneys can lower exposure to indoor wood smoke and reduce severe pneumonia cases in children less than 18 months old. The study found a significant reduction of 30% in severe childhood pneumonia, which is attributed to reduced carbon monoxide exposure levels.
Two new studies find a dramatic reduction in severe pneumonia diagnoses among children with smoke-reducing chimneys on their cookstoves. Exposure to woodsmoke during pregnancy also linked to poorer performance in IQ markers for school-aged children.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that young children treated at home for severe pneumonia by lady health workers had better outcomes compared to those referred to hospitals. Home-based treatment reduced treatment delays and failures, saving thousands of children's lives annually.
A new study estimates that around 90 million children contract seasonal flu each year, causing approximately 1 million hospital admissions and up to 111,500 deaths due to influenza-related pneumonia. The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries.
A new study published in The Lancet found that children treated at home for severe pneumonia by Pakistan's Lady Health Workers were more likely to recover than those referred to health facilities. Treatment failures occurred 50% less often in the experimental group, resulting in significant reductions in child mortality rates.
A study published in The Lancet found that using Lady Health Workers to treat severe pneumonia in Pakistan significantly reduced treatment delays and failures compared to standard care. The intervention resulted in lower treatment failure rates by day 6, with only two deaths reported in the control clusters.
Researchers aim to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Pneumocystis, a deadly fungus causing HIV-related pneumonia. The project has the potential to lower treatment costs and improve quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
Key findings highlight the need for health policy and systems research to improve access and coverage of existing interventions. Epidemiological research is also essential to address knowledge gaps in childhood pneumonia.
A Group Health Research Institute study found that long-acting opioids and new opioid use are associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in older adults. Benzodiazepines do not seem to increase the risk, but it is crucial to look more closely at opioid prescriptions and infections.
A study published in mBio reveals that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus causes more extensive damage to lung tissues than seasonal flu, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia. This damage compromises the protective epithelial cells, allowing bacteria to thrive and increase mortality.
The new guidelines prioritize preventing bacterial pneumonia in children, recommending yearly flu vaccines and targeted antibiotic therapy. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing pneumonia to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study aims to systematically look at current and likely future causes of childhood pneumonia in seven countries. The study will inform global efforts against pneumonia, the world's biggest killer of young children.
A novel virus has been identified that can infect both humans and New World monkeys, spreading between species. The titi monkey adenovirus (TMAdV) was found in a California primate research center and later infected a human researcher and a family member.
A national study found that critical access hospitals (CAHs) in rural US have fewer clinical capabilities and worse patient outcomes. Patients admitted to CAHs for heart attack or pneumonia had a higher risk of dying within 30 days compared to other hospitals.
A study of over 4,500 hospitals found that critical access hospitals (CAHs) in rural areas had fewer clinical capabilities and worse patient outcomes compared to non-CAHs. CAHs were less likely to have intensive care units, cardiac catheterization capabilities, and basic electronic health records.
Research suggests that aging lung cells are more susceptible to infection by pneumonia-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Controlling inflammation may hold the key to preventing this deadly disease in the elderly.
Research suggests that linezolid is a more effective treatment than vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by MRSA. Linezolid showed higher clinical and microbiologic success rates, with cure rates being higher at the end of treatment.
A large registry study found pneumonia patients are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest outside of ICU, with few warning signs. The study suggests improving risk assessment and interventions to address this issue.
A new study published in Respirology reveals that adult patients with pneumonia who have vitamin D deficiency are more likely to die within the first 30 days after hospital admission. The researchers found no explanation for the association beyond patient age and other factors.
A study of 150 children on temporary breathing devices found that shorter antibiotic courses were just as effective in treating respiratory infections without increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections. Careful evaluation of the need for antibiotics and shortest treatment duration are recommended to curb antibiotic resistance.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that a nutritional supplement and physical activity program improved walking capacity in Chilean older adults. The program, known as CENEX, was evaluated for its cost-effectiveness in preventing pneumonia and functional decline in older people.
A large retrospective analysis of 15,768 COPD patients found that ICS therapy significantly reduced all-cause mortality, particularly at 90-day intervals. This study contradicts previous expert assumptions and provides new insights into the use of ICS in pneumonia treatment.
A study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that statin users had a 33% lower risk of death from pneumonia compared to non-statin users. This protective effect was observed among patients who were already taking statins when they developed pneumonia.
A randomized trial found hydrocortisone therapy reduced hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by 35.6% compared to placebo, resulting in shorter mechanical ventilation-free days and ICU stays. Corticosteroid insufficiency was also associated with higher pneumonia rates.
A study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals that the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and bacterial infections due to a decline in immune system cells. Researchers have found that macrophages and B cells, which fight bacteria, appear effective but are fewer in number, making them less effective. Developing targeted ...
The American Thoracic Society's report highlights the evolving landscape of HIV-associated pulmonary disease, including increased chronic lung diseases and new syndromes associated with antiretroviral therapy. Clinicians face a wider range of HIV-associated diseases, emphasizing the need for continued research and treatment modalities.
Researchers found that the use of tifacogin did not improve mortality rates or reduce adverse events in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. The study's results suggest that anti-clotting therapies may not be effective in preventing organ failure and improving outcomes for this patient population.
Researchers developed a vaccine that triggers a protective immune response while preventing fatal inflammation. The experimental vaccine, using a synthetic gene, has shown promising results in animal models, protecting mice from a lethal challenge and reducing inflammation.
A simple checklist designed by Johns Hopkins researchers significantly reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia cases by over 70% in Michigan hospitals. The intervention, combined with education and a culture of patient safety, saves tens of thousands of lives and millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
A study by Dr. Harri Hemila and Professor Jaakko Kaprio found that vitamin E supplementation had varying effects on pneumonia risk depending on smoking habits and exercise levels. Among nonsmokers who exercised regularly, vitamin E decreased pneumonia risk by 69%. However, in smokers and non-exercisers, it increased risk by 79%.
A study found that elderly Medicare black patients have higher 30-day hospital readmission rates for conditions like congestive heart failure and pneumonia compared to white patients. The disparities are related to hospitals that disproportionately care for black patients, suggesting a systemic issue with the healthcare system.
A new study found that hospital spending is associated with lower death rates for patients with life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia. High-spending hospitals had a 19% lower mortality rate compared to low-spending hospitals.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing a vaccine to protect against plague and bacterial pneumonias. The new discovery involves the stimulation of Th1-17 cells, which provide partial protection against pneumonic plague.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that Hispanic seniors are less likely to be immunized against flu and pneumonia compared to similar White seniors. Researchers discovered that Hispanic seniors who prefer speaking Spanish and live in linguistically isolated communities have the lowest immunization rates.
A recent study found that adhering to current guidelines for treating intensive-care unit patients with multi-drug resistant pneumonia may result in higher mortality rates. The authors suggest re-assessing the guidelines due to a lack of evidence supporting triple antibiotic therapy.
A quality improvement intervention improved the adoption of evidence-based care practices in intensive care units, with greatest gains in catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention and ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention. The study's findings suggest that collaborative networks can help community hospitals improve ICU out...
A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections like COPD and pneumonia. Regular oral care can help prevent periodontal disease, which has been linked to other chronic inflammatory diseases.
A systematic review found that one in every 200 inpatients taking acid suppressive medications developed pneumonia. The study suggests that deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia could be caused by these medications.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based platform to diagnose atypical pneumonia with over 97% accuracy using a 10-minute test. The device has the potential to limit complications and transmission of the infection.
Critically ill patients with bloodstream infections and pneumonia face a greatly increased risk of dying, but the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes is relatively small. The study analyzed data from over 500 intensive care units in ten European countries, finding that infections directly worsen outcomes for patients.
Dr. Jay Kolls has been recognized with the prestigious MERIT Award for his work on a discovery that plays a critical role in the body's defense against pneumonia. His research uses genetically engineered mice to investigate the role of lung epithelium and explore how cells control infection defense in the lung.
A new study found that five avoidable causes, including birth asphyxia and pneumonia, account for nearly 1.5 million child deaths in India each year. The research suggests that improved delivery and postnatal care can reduce these deaths, with the introduction of vaccines and expanded neonatal care also shown to be effective.
Two companion studies found that 72% of patients were misdiagnosed with pneumonia upon readmission, leading to overuse of antibiotics and increased healthcare costs. The misdiagnoses were more common among African-Americans and those with lung disease or smoking history.