Retrospective Study of Pneumonia Patients in a Tertiary Hospital of South India

Published By: Trendz In Medical World, January 2012
http://www.trendz.org/view_article.php?article_id=158


Jeetu Gangil*¹, Dr Prabha Adhikari², Dr Kishore G Sam³

¹Clinical Research Executive, Apothecaries Foundation, New Delhi, India.
E.mail: jeetu.gangil@gmail.com 

²Professor of Medicine, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

³Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical College, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, P.O. Box- 4184

 ABSTRACT

AIMS

This epidemiological survey was done to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of pneumonia patients, antibiotics usage pattern, clinical response to macrolides concomitant therapy, duration of hospitalization and mortality rate due to pneumonia infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective was conducted at the Kasturba Medical Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. This study was carried out over eight months from August 2009 to March 2010 and patients enrolled who were admitted for treatment of pneumonia infections and information was recorded in patient case report form on the base of demographic, clinical characteristics of pneumonia patients, antibiotics usage pattern, clinical response to macrolides concomitant therapy, duration of hospitalization and mortality rate.

RESULTS

During the year August 2009 – May 2010, a total of forty five (n= 45) pneumonia cases were admitted in Kasturba Medical Hospital, Mangalore for the treatment of pneumonia. Most of the patients who were admitted in the hospital due to pneumonia disease were male [n=26 (57.8%)] as compare to female [n=19 (42.2%)]. The mean age of these patients were 43±23.0 years. On the basis of radiological findings all patients showed infiltrates suggestive of lobar pneumonia Totally eighteen types of prescription pattern were used to treat these patients. Majority of the antibiotics in prescription used were amino-penicillin (n=7) and third generation of cephalosporin (n=7).A total  of six  prescriptions had a  combination of ‘Azithromycin with third generation cephalosporin’ antibiotic to treat pneumonia.  We reviewed all cases (N=45) of pneumonia infection and we analyzed that median duration of hospitalization stay which  was 8.1±3.7 (range 2-12) days. Seven patients (15%)  expired during  hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective studies concluded that macrolides concomitant therapy showed good effect in pneumonia patients as compare to other patients who were not received macrolides concomitant therapy.

Keywords: Pneumonia, Macrolides, Antibiotics, Mortality

INTRODUCTION

What is already known about this subject? 

·         Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

·         According to a report by the WHO, India accounts for majority of pneumonia cases among children under the age of five and has the highest death rate in the world.

What this study adds? 

·         The macrolides have long been associated with anti-inflammatory benefits in patients with chronic pulmonary inflammatory disorder.

·         Shorter lengths of hospital stay and lower mortality rates in pneumonia who are treated with macrolides concomitant therapy.