Absence of gender-based differences in outcome of patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia

Socio-demographic and comorbid risk factors for poor prognosis in patients hospitalized with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in southeastern US

BACKGROUND

How socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities affect bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) prognosis during/after hospitalization is important in disease management.

OBJECTIVES

To identify predictors of medical intensive care unit (MICU) admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and bacterial CAP readmission in patients hospitalized with bacterial CAP.

METHODS

ICD-9/10 codes were used to query electronic medical records to identify a cohort of patients hospitalized for bacterial CAP at a tertiary hospital in Southeastern US between 01/01/2013-12/31/2019. Adjusted accelerated failure time and modified Poisson regression models were used to examine predictors of MICU admission, LOS, in-hospital mortality, and 1-year readmission.

RESULTS

There were 1956 adults hospitalized with bacterial CAP. Median (interquartile range) LOS was 11 days (6-23), and there were 26 % (513) MICU admission, 14 % (266) in-hospital mortality, and 6 % (117) 1-year readmission with recurrent CAP. MICU admission was associated with heart failure (RR 1.38; 95 % CI 1.17-1.62) and obesity (RR 1.26; 95 % CI 1.04-1.52). Longer LOS was associated with heart failure (adjusted time ratio[TR] 1.27;95 %CI 1.12-1.43), stroke (TR 1.90;95 %CI 1.54,2.35), type 2 diabetes (TR 1.20;95 %CI 1.07-1.36), obesity (TR 1.50;95 %CI 1.31-1.72), Black race (TR 1.17;95 %CI 1.04-1.31), and males (TR 1.24;95 %CI 1.10-1.39). In-hospital mortality was associated with stroke (RR 1.45;95 %CI 1.03-2.04) and age ≥65 years (RR 1.34;95 %CI 1.06-1.68). 1-year readmission was associated with COPD (RR 1.55;95 %CI 1.05-2.27) and underweight BMI (RR 1.74;95 %CI 1.04-2.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidities and socio-demographic characteristics have varying impacts on bacterial CAP in-hospital prognosis and readmission. More studies are warranted to confirm these findings to develop comprehensive care plans and inform public health interventions.

Age- and sex-related differences in community-acquired pneumonia at presentation to the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Because of its associated high morbidity and mortality, early identification and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are essential.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate age- and sex-related differences in clinical symptoms, radiologic findings and outcomes in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with CAP.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients admitted to one Swiss ED with radiologically confirmed CAP between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS

Primary aim was to evaluate differences in clinical and radiologic presentation of men vs. women and patients >65 years vs. <65 years with CAP. Secondary outcomes were age- and sex-related differences in terms of Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) risk class, need for ICU referral, mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission and 180-day pneumonia recurrence.

MAIN RESULTS

In total 467 patients with CAP were included. 211 were women (45%). 317 were ≥65 years (68%), of which 145 were women (46%). Older patients less commonly reported chest pain (13 vs. 27%; effect size 14%; 95% CI, 0.07-0.23), fever (39 vs. 53%, effect size 14%; 95% CI, 0.05-0.24), chills (6 vs. 20%; effect size 14%; 95% CI, 0.08-0.0.214), cough (44 vs. 57%; effect size 13%; 95% CI, 0.03-0.22), headache (5 vs. 15%, effect size 10%, 95% CI, 0.04-0.17) and myalgias (5 vs. 19%; effect size 14%; 95% CI, 0.07-0.21). However, 85% of patients with no symptoms were ≥65 years. PSI was lower in women [95 (SD 31) vs. 104 (SD 31); 95% CI, -14.44 to 2.35] and sputum was more common in men (32 vs. 22%; effect size 10%; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.02). Raw mortality was higher in elderly patients [14 vs. 3%; odds ratio (OR), 4.67; 95% CI, 1.81-12.05], whereas it was similar in men and women (11 vs. 10%; OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.67-2.23).

CONCLUSION

Patients, less than 65 years with CAP presenting to the ED had significantly more typical symptoms such as chest pain, fever, chills, cough, headache and myalgias than those being above 65 years. No relevant differences between men and women were found in clinical presentation, except for PSI on admission, and radiologic findings and neither age nor sex was a predictor for mortality in CAP.

Female Patients with Pneumonia on Intensive Care Unit Are under Risk of Fatal Outcome

Background and Objectives: The impact of sex on mortality in patients with pneumonia requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment is still a controversial discussion, with studies providing heterogeneous results. The reasons for sex differences are widespread, including hormonal, immunologic and therapeutic approaches. This study's aim was to evaluate sex-related differences in the mortality of ICU patients with pneumonia. Material and Methods: A prospective observational clinical trial was performed at Charité University Hospital in Berlin. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of pneumonia and a treatment period of over 24 h on ICU. A total of 436 mainly postoperative patients were included. Results: Out of 436 patients, 166 (38.1%) were female and 270 (61.9%) were male. Significant differences in their SOFA scores on admission, presence of immunosuppression and diagnosed cardiovascular disease were observed. Male patients were administered more types of antibiotics per day (p = 0.028) at significantly higher daily costs (in Euros) per applied anti-infective drug (p = 0.003). Mortalities on ICU were 34 (20.5%) in females and 39 (14.4%) in males (p = 0.113), before correcting for differences in patient characteristics using logistic regression analysis, and afterwards, the female sex showed an increased risk of ICU mortality with an OR of 1.775 (1.029-3.062, p = 0.039). Conclusions: ICU mortality was significantly higher in female patients with pneumonia. The identification of sex-specific differences is important to increase awareness among clinicians and allow resource allocation. The impact of sex on illness severity, sex differences in infectious diseases and the consequences on treatment need to be elucidated in the future.

The Influence of Atrial Fibrillation on In-Hospital Mortality in People with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: An Observational, Sex-Stratified Study

(1) Background: The study aimed to analyze the influence of atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to hospital admission (“prevalent”) and new-onset AF diagnosed during hospital admission (“incident”) on in-hospital mortality (IHM) in women and men who developed hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in Spain (2016−2019). (2) Methods: We used the Spanish Register of Specialized Care-Basic Minimum Database. (3) Results: We analyzed 38,814 cases of HAP (34.6% women; 13.5% ventilator-associated). Prevalent AF was coded in 19.9% (n = 7742), and incident AF in 5.5% (n = 2136) of HAP. Crude IHM was significantly higher for prevalent AF (34.22% vs. 27.35%, p < 0.001) and for incident AF (35.81% vs. 28.31%, p < 0.001) compared to no AF. After propensity score matching, IHM among women and men with prevalent AF was higher than among women and men with no AF (among women, 32.89% vs. 30.11%, p = 0.021; among men, 35.05% vs. 32.46%, p = 0.008). Similarly, IHM among women and men with incident AF was higher than among women and men with no AF (among women, 36.23% vs. 29.90%, p = 0.013; among men, 35.62% vs. 30.47%; p = 0.003). Sex was associated with a higher IHM only in people with incident AF (for female, OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01−1.57). (4) Conclusions: Both prevalent and incident AF were associated with higher IHM in people who developed HAP. Female sex was associated with a higher IHM in incident AF.

Sex Differences in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Retrospective Cohort Study using Hospital Discharge Data in Spain (2016-2019)

(1) Background: To analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, use of procedures, and in-hospital outcomes in patients who developed pneumonia during their hospital admission according to sex and to the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). (2) Methods: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) was classed as non-ventilator HAP and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Separate analyses were performed for men and women with and without T2DM. Population subgroups were compared using propensity score matching. (3) Results: HAP was identified in 38,814 patients (24.07% with T2DM). The adjusted incidence of HAP was higher in patients with T2DM (both sexes) (IRR 1.28; 95% CI 1.25–1.31). The incidence of HAP was higher in men with T2DM than in women with T2DM (adjusted-IR 1.47; 95% CI 1.41–1.53). The incidence of HAP among T2DM patients increased over time. In-hospital mortality (IHM) was around 28% irrespective of T2DM status and sex. After adjusting for confounders and sex, VAP was associated to higher IHM among patients with T2DM (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.7–2.57). (4) Conclusions: T2DM is associated with a higher risk of HAP, whose incidence increased over time. Men with T2DM have an almost 50% higher risk of HAP than women with T2DM. The probability of dying in the hospital was not associated with sex or T2DM.

Assessing the Impact of Gender and COPD on the Incidence and Mortality of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia. A Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Spanish National Discharge Database (2016-2019)

BACKGROUND

We aim to analyze incidence and outcomes of patients hospitalized with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) according to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status and sex in Spain (2016-2019).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national hospital discharge data of patients ≥40 years with a primary diagnosis of HAP, using the specific diagnostics of non-ventilator (NV)-HAP and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

RESULTS

We identified 37,029 patients with HAP ((NV)-HAP 87.28%, VAP 12.72%), 13.40% with COPD. HAP incidence increased over time, but only in subjects without COPD (p < 0.001). In women, incidence of HAP and (NV)-HAP was similar regardless of COPD status, but VAP incidence was lower in COPD women (p = 0.007). In men, the incidence of (NV)-HAP was significantly higher in those with COPD, while VAP incidence was lower in COPD men (p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality (IHM) was similar in men and women with and without COPD. The risk of dying in hospital increased with age, congestive heart failure, cancer, and dialysis among men and women with COPD. Men that underwent surgery had a lower risk of IHM. VAP increased 2.58-times the probability of dying in men and women. Finally, sex was not associated with IHM among COPD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of HAP was significantly higher in COPD patients than in those without COPD, at the expense of (NV)-HAP but not of VAP. When stratifying by sex, we found that the difference was caused by men. IHM was similar in COPD and non-COPD patients, with no significant change overtime. In addition, sex was not associated with IHM.

Sex as a prognostic factor for mortality in critically ill adults with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of sex as an independent prognostic factor for mortality in patients with sepsis admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO Clinical Trials Registry from inception to 17 July 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies evaluating independent associations between sex and mortality in critically ill adults with sepsis controlling for at least one of five core covariate domains prespecified following a literature search and consensus among experts.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two authors independently extracted and assessed the risk of bias using Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Meta-analysis was performed by pooling adjusted estimates. The Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

From 14 304 records, 13 studies (80 520 participants) were included. Meta-analysis did not find sex-based differences in all-cause hospital mortality (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.32; very low-certainty evidence) and all-cause ICU mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.78; very low-certainty evidence). However, females presented higher 28-day all-cause mortality (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.32; very low-certainty evidence) and lower 1-year all-cause mortality (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98; low-certainty evidence). There was a moderate risk of bias in the domain adjustment for other prognostic factors in six studies, and the certainty of evidence was further affected by inconsistency and imprecision.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic independent effect of sex on all-cause hospital mortality, 28-day all-cause mortality and all-cause ICU mortality for critically ill adults with sepsis was uncertain. Female sex may be associated with decreased 1-year all-cause mortality.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019145054.

Readmissions of adults within three age groups following hospitalization for pneumonia: Analysis from the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Background

While 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for pneumonia have been well-studied in the elderly, their burden in young adults remains poorly understood.

Objective

To study patterns of readmissions following hospitalization for pneumonia across age groups and insurance payers.

Methods

In the Nationwide Readmission Database for the years 2013 and 2014 we identified all adults (≥18 years) discharged alive after a hospitalization with the primary diagnosis of pneumonia, and examined rates of readmissions within 30-days of discharge. Using covariates included in the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services risk-adjustment model for pneumonia readmissions in a multivariable regression model for survey data, we identified predictors of 30-day readmission.

Results

We identified 629,939 index pneumonia hospitalizations with a weighted estimate of 1,472,069 nationally. Overall, 16.2% of patients were readmitted within 30 days of their hospitalization for pneumonia, with 30-day readmission rates of 12.4% in the 18–44 year age-group, 16.1% in the 45–64 year age-group, and 16.7% in the ≥65-year age-group. In risk-adjusted analyses, compared with elderly, middle-aged adults were more likely to be readmitted (risk-adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07). Mean cost per readmission was also highest for this age group at $15,976.

Conclusion

Middle-aged adults experience substantial rates of 30-day readmission that are comparable to those over 65 years of age, with a higher cost per readmission event. Future efforts are needed to identify potential interventions to alleviate the high burden of pneumonia readmissions in middle-aged adults.

Incremental risk of long-term mortality with increased burden of comorbidity in hospitalized patients with pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Patients hospitalized for pneumonia often have concurrent comorbid conditions (CCs). The influence of CCs on the risk of subsequent death is not fully understood.

METHODS

We examined adults hospitalized for pneumonia between 1996 through 2015 at Mayo Clinic for the presence of 20 priori selected CCs. We estimated cumulative all-cause mortality by number of CCs using multivariable Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Study comprised of 9580 adults (age 70 ± 17.0 years, men 53%, whites 88%) with median number of CCs 3 (interquartile 1-4), and overall deaths 6032 (62.9%) during 50,934 person-years of follow up (118.5 deaths/1000 person-years). After adjustment, any single comorbid condition was associated with 9% greater risk of death (95% confidence interval 1.08-1.11, P < 0.0001). When study cohort was stratified according to number of comorbidities (none, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and ≥6 CCs), the risk of death increased as the number of CCs increased (33 for no CCs vs 252 deaths for ≥6 CCs per 1000 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term mortality after hospitalization for pneumonia increases as the burden of comorbidities increases. Therefore, a simple comorbidity count help improve prognostic accuracy in identifying patients at increased risk of death following an episode of pneumonia.

Is female gender as harmful as bacteria? analysis of hospital admissions for urinary tract infections in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial diseases. We related diagnosis of UTIs based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and in-hospital mortality (IHM) in a cohort of hospitalized elderly subjects.

METHODS

All patients admitted between 2000 and 2013 to the general hospital of Ferrara, in northeast Italy, with ICD-9-CM code of UTIs were included. IHM was the main outcome, and age, sex, type of microorganism, sepsis, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) based on ICD-9-CM, were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The total sample included 2,266 patients (1,670 women, 73.7%) with UTIs and identification of a cultural organism. Mean age was 81.7±7.5 years (range, 65-103). One hundred and sixteen (5.1%, of whom 34.5% were male and 65.5% were female) cases developed sepsis, and 84 (3.7%, of whom 45.2% were male, 54.8% were female) had a fatal outcome. Nonsurvivors had lower prevalence of IVUs due to Escherichia coli (53.6 vs. 71.7%, p<0.001) and higher prevalence of UTIs due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 vs 7.1%, p<0.001). Moreover, non-survivors developed more frequently sepsis (31% vs. 4.1%, p<0.001), and had higher CCI (2.81±2.43 vs. 2.21±2.04, p=0.011). IHM was independently associated, in decreasing order of odds ratios (ORs), with sepsis (OR 10.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 6.113-17.460, p<0.001), P. aeruginosa infection (OR 2.541; 95% CI 1.422-4.543, p=0.002), female gender (OR 2.324; 95% CI 1.480-3.650, p<0.001), CCI (OR 1.103; 95% CI 1.005-1.210, p=0.038), age (OR 1.034; 95% CI 1.002-1.066, p=0.036), and E. coli infection (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.320-0.780, p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large sample of elderly patients hospitalized for UTIs in a single center in northeastern Italy, apart the development of sepsis, IHM was much more dependent on pathogen and female gender than comorbidity index and age.

Aetiology of hospital-acquired pneumonia and trends in antimicrobial resistance

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) continue to present very significant diagnostic and management challenges. The development, introduction and use of a wider range of immunosuppressive therapies are leading to a broader spectrum of microorganisms causing HAP and VAP. The persistent clinical dilemma regarding their cause is that detection of a microorganism from a respiratory tract sample does not necessarily signify it is the causative agent of the pneumonia. The ever-increasing antibiotic resistance problem means that HAP and VAP are becoming progressively more difficult to treat. In this article, we review the cause, antimicrobial resistance, diagnosis and treatment of HAP and VAP and encapsulate recent developments and concepts in this rapidly moving field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the microbial causes of HAP and VAP remain at present similar to those identified in previous studies, there are marked geographical differences. Resistance rates among Gram-negative bacteria are continually increasing, and for any species, multiresistance is the norm rather than the exception. The development and introduction of rapid point-of-care diagnostics may improve understanding of the cause of HAP and VAP and has immense potential to influence the treatment and clinical outcomes in HAP/VAP, with patients likely to receive much faster, microorganism-specific treatment with obvious downstream improvements to clinical outcome and antimicrobial stewardship.

SUMMARY

We describe recent trends in aetiology of HAP and VAP and recent trends in antimicrobial resistance, including resistance mechanisms causing particular concern. The potential for novel molecular diagnostics to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of HAP/VAP is discussed.