Document type
ArticleVersion
Accepted versionPublication date
All rights reserved
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/144616
Clinical management of community acquired pneumonia in the elderly patient
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major health problem in elderly persons and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Areas covered: This article reviews the most recent publications relative to CAP in the elderly population, with a focus on epidemiology, prognostic factors, microbial etiology, therapy and prevention. The data discussed in this review were mainly obtained from a non-systematic review using Medline, and references from relevant articles. Expert commentary: CAP can occur at any age, but its incidence and risk of death are linked to increasing age. Age-related changes in the immune system make this population more vulnerable to CAP. Mortality in hospitalized patients with CAP ranges from 10% to 12%. However, in the case of elderly patients, several studies have reported mortality rates of up to 25%. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination comprise one of the most important preventive approaches for CAP in the elderly.
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
CILLÓNIZ, Catia, et al. Clinical management of community acquired pneumonia in the elderly patient. Expert Review Of Respiratory Medicine. 2016. Vol. 10, num. 11, pags. 1211-1220. ISSN 1747-6348. [consulted: 17 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/144616