Articles tagged with Pneumonia
A BU study shows that empowering community health workers with a rapid diagnostic test and antibiotics can significantly increase the proportion of appropriately timed antibiotic treatments for non-severe pneumonia and decrease inappropriate use of anti-malarials. The study found a five-fold increase in timely treatment of pneumonia.
A study by Kojo Yeboah-Antwi found that community health workers can safely provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia.
A recent study by the Pitt/Iowa team reveals that a structural molecule and cellular pump influence pneumonia severity. Excess cardiolipin disrupts surfactant function, leading to tissue damage.
A previously fit man contracted Legionnaire's disease after cutting his finger on compost, highlighting the risk of infection through gardening activities. The UK Royal Horticultural Society has announced cautionary statements on potting compost bags to warn gardeners about this rare but serious risk.
A new study published in Thorax journal reveals that the introduction of a vaccine to combat bacterial pneumonia has led to a significant decrease in hospital admissions for children under 15 years old. The number of admissions decreased by 19% over two years, with a corresponding reduction in empyema cases.
Researchers found that hospitalized patients with dysphagia averaged a 40% longer hospital stay than those without the condition. Dysphagia is severely underreported and can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and increased end-of-life costs.
Dysphagia is associated with a poorer prognosis, increased risk of death and prolonged hospital stays among hospitalized patients. The condition can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which may precipitate a significant decline in patient outcome.
A new study found that improved prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D has led to an increase in the use of antibiotics by seniors, particularly for brand-name and more expensive drugs. The study suggests this could lead to unnecessary spending on broad-spectrum antibiotics and overuse of inappropriate antibiotics.
Researchers found that nursing facility residents with normal zinc levels were 50% less likely to develop pneumonia compared to those with low zinc concentrations. Those with adequate zinc levels also had shorter durations of pneumonia and lower mortality rates.
LSUHSC has received a $2.1 million grant to study the role of T-helper cells in preventing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a life-threatening infection linked to HIV/AIDS and other immune deficiencies. The research aims to identify effective vaccines that can activate these cells to prevent or treat PCP.
A study found that antibiotics prolong survival but do not improve comfort for patients with terminal dementia and pneumonia. Aggressive treatment can cause greater discomfort, suggesting a need to balance survival and comfort goals.
Research based on data from over 1,200 patients found that stroke complications deprive patients of an additional 2 years of healthy life. The Complication in Acute Stroke Study (COMPASS) also highlights the importance of formal screening for dysphagia and early rehabilitation to improve stroke outcomes.
A study analyzing 150,000 hospital discharges found significant insurance-related differences in mortality rates, length of stay, and costs for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and pneumonia. Uninsured patients had higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays compared to privately insured patients.
Researchers found RSV was the predominant virus detected among infants and children hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Kenya. The study suggests that RSV vaccination may offer considerable public health benefit, potentially reducing all-cause clinically severe or very severe pneumonia admissions by one-third.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that osteopathic manipulative medicine significantly reduced hospital stays for pneumonia patients. Additionally, the study showed a slight decrease in intravenous antibiotics needed and respiratory failure.
A study published in JAMA found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most commonly detected virus among Kenyan children with severe pneumonia. RSV was associated with increased risk of admission with severe disease, suggesting that vaccination may offer significant public health benefits.
The World Health Assembly approved a resolution focused on preventing and treating pneumonia, the world's leading killer of children. The resolution aims to save millions of young lives by accelerating access and delivery of proven interventions, including vaccination and antibiotics.
Researchers found that ICU-acquired infection rates do not correlate with death rates for at-risk patients, despite being used as a measure of quality in hospital report cards. Hospitals with high infection rates had similar survival rates to those with low infection rates, highlighting the limitations of using these rates as a metric.
Children requiring home mechanical ventilation often receive frequent chest x-rays, but research suggests these may not be necessary to change treatment plans. Researchers analyzed records of 28 patients and found that two-thirds of repeat x-rays did not prompt changes within 24 hours.
According to a recent study, more than two-thirds of child deaths worldwide are caused by infectious diseases, with pneumonia being the leading cause. The UK has the highest number of child deaths in Western Europe, and many deaths in high-income countries can be prevented.
A pilot pneumonia-prevention program implemented in a hospital surgical ward significantly reduced postoperative pneumonia, with an 81% decrease in incidence. The program, which included eight evidence-based strategies, was highly statistically significant and could improve patient care and lower healthcare costs.
A randomized controlled trial of early vs late tracheotomy in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients found no significant reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with earlier tracheotomy. The study also showed a higher number of ventilator-free and ICU-free days in the early tracheotomy group.
New research reveals that pneumonia, birth asphyxia, and preterm birth complications account for between 15-17% of child deaths in China. The study found a significant decline in mortality rates from 1990-2008, with improvements in neonatal, postneonatal infant, and child mortality rates.
Patients hospitalized with pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury are more likely to die after discharge than those whose kidneys remain healthy. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
Researchers found that toxin Paton-Valentine leukocidin does not affect MRSA-induced pneumonia. A novel inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis was discovered in the metalloprotease ADAMTS9. Additionally, Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) may activate protease-activated receptors promoting colon cancer development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prednisolone therapy does not provide clinical benefits for patients with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. Instead, it may lead to a higher rate of late failures and recurrence of symptoms after withdrawal.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that hospitals with lower costs did not necessarily compromise on the quality of care, but rather focused on improving efficiency. The researchers found that low-cost hospitals had comparable or slightly higher readmission rates compared to high-cost hospitals, while patients ini...
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine estimates that sepsis and pneumonia caused by hospital-acquired infections kill nearly 50,000 people each year, with healthcare costs totaling $8.1 billion in 2006. The conditions can be prevented with better infection control measures, reducing both deaths and healthcare expenses.
A new report found that over 30% of seniors in 36 states are not immunized against pneumonia, highlighting a need for increased awareness and access to vaccines. The report also highlights low vaccination rates for the seasonal flu, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccines.
Pneumococcal disease is a leading vaccine-preventable killer of children under age five, causing life-threatening infections. Dr. Thomas Cherian's work has helped advance medical science and inform policy to overcome obstacles in awareness, financing, and vaccine access.
Dr. Jay Kolls' research team has identified a unique group of white blood cells that rapidly produce cytokines to increase resistance to pneumonia. The grant will investigate the role of lung epithelium as the primary recipient of these signals and explore how these cells control infection defense in the lung.
Research found that long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia among older individuals. Long-term exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were each associated with a more than doubled risk of hospitalization from pneumonia.
Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.
A new study by Carolyn Slupsky reveals a distinct pattern of metabolites in urine samples from patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced pneumonia, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis. This breakthrough paves the way for early treatment initiation, potentially saving lives.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a fast and accurate urine test for pneumonia using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The test identifies a unique chemical 'fingerprint' in the urine of patients infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, distinguishing it from other types of pneumonia and noninfectious lung diseases.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that chest ultrasound is a viable alternative to chest CT for evaluating pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia. The study suggests using chest radiography and ultrasound as initial evaluations, with CT reserved for cases where ultrasound is technically difficult or di...
The Malawi government has introduced a national program to deliver effective pneumonia treatment, known as standard case management, to children. This initiative aims to reduce the high mortality rate of childhood pneumonia in low-income countries by providing timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy and oxygen support.
The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia outlines a six-year plan to control the disease, with a focus on promoting exclusive breastfeeding, vaccinations, and effective case management. Implementing these interventions could save more than one million lives each year.
The first ever World Pneumonia Day highlights the potential for renewed global action against this forgotten killer of children. The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia aims to reduce child pneumonia mortality through exclusive breastfeeding, vaccine use, and community-level management.
A systematic review of six randomized trials found pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced vaccine-type IPD by 80%, all-serotype IPD by 58% and x-ray defined pneumonia by 27%. The vaccines also prevented 11% of child deaths.
Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) claim an estimated 1.2 million child lives annually. Effective vaccines exist but their use is limited in low-income countries. Implementing pneumococcal vaccine could save over 440,000 children's lives by 2015.
Studies estimate that pneumococcal disease caused about 826,000 deaths in children aged 1-59 months, while Hib disease caused around 371,000 deaths. These figures highlight the importance of effective interventions and vaccines to reduce child mortality and attain Millennium Development Goal 4
A new study published in The Lancet found that using inhaled corticosteroid budesonide to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not significantly increase the risk of pneumonia. Data from over 7,000 patients showed a low incidence of pneumonia and no significant difference between treatment groups.
The IMCI strategy has improved health-worker skills, health-system support, and family and community practices, leading to increased care-seeking and community treatment. However, its impact on mortality rates was not statistically significant, despite a decrease in stunting among children aged 2-5 years.
A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that taking statin drugs does not lower the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients. In fact, the study suggests that people on statins may be at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
Combining strategies to improve nutrition, indoor air pollution, and immunization can reduce child mortality from pneumonia by 17%. Pneumonia is a leading cause of infant deaths in developing countries.
A study found that hospital-acquired pneumonia is associated with a 30% increased odds of receiving acid-suppressive medications. The study analyzed data from 63,878 hospital admissions and found that proton-pump inhibitors were more strongly linked to the risk.
Pneumonia caused by community-acquired MRSA is a growing concern, with many cases occurring after influenza-like illnesses. The infection can lead to severe complications, including septic shock and high mortality rates.
Research found black Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop acute lung injury compared to white Americans, with a higher burden of immune-compromising conditions and greater severity of illness at admission. Despite this, in-hospital mortality rates among patients with ALI did not vary meaningfully by race.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that older men are at a higher risk of death from community-acquired pneumonia compared to women. The researchers discovered that men's bodies respond differently to infection, leading to a stronger inflammatory and coagulation response, which may break up blood clots more quickly.
A study of 971 patients found VAP accounted for almost half of nosocomial infections, with a crude mortality rate of 35%. Anticipative antimicrobial therapy may be a potential intervention to avoid VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop low-cost strategies to combat childhood pneumonia. The three-year project aims to predict effective treatment solutions and prioritize investments that save most lives.
A joint study from Helmholtz-Centre and immunologists found that flu infection facilitates and intensifies pneumonia bacteria infections. Researchers discovered that lack of immune cells does not cause increased susceptibility to superinfections.
The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) initiative aims to study the causes of pediatric pneumonia in five to ten countries, using modern diagnostics and methods to guide vaccine and treatment development. This effort could help prevent many pneumonia deaths and develop tools to tackle even more cases.
New research finds that long-term use of inhaled corticosteroid drugs increases the risk of pneumonia in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Analysis of 18 randomized clinical trials showed a significant association between corticosteroid inhaler use and pneumonia, with nearly one in every 47 patients developing...
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a more effective treatment for secondary pneumonia following influenza, using antibiotics like clindamycin and azithromycin. These treatments inhibit protein synthesis, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates in mice infected with both conditions.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for enhanced infection control practices to prevent viral hepatitis outbreaks. Researchers also stress the importance of proper antibiotic treatment for health care-associated pneumonia, highlighting its more serious nature compared to community-acquired pneumonia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials found that commonly used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines do not appear to prevent pneumonia. High-quality trials only showed no evidence of vaccine efficacy, raising questions about current recommendations for the vaccine.
A meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Tufts University found that respiratory fluoroquinolones are highly effective in treating community-acquired pneumonia with fewer adverse outcomes. The antibiotics can be considered for severe forms of pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
A review of 11 randomized trials found no benefit in survival from inhaled corticosteroid therapy for stable COPD. However, the use of ICS was associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia in patients with COPD.