ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) severity scores can identify patients at low risk for mortality who may be suitable for ambulatory care. Here, we follow the clinical course of hospitalized patients with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of CAP severity scores as predictors of mortality. METHODS: This was a secondary data analysis of patients hospitalized with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction enrolled in the CAPO (Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization) international cohort study. CAP severity scores PSI (Pneumonia Severity Index), CURB-65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years) and CRB-65 (confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years) were calculated. Actual and predicted mortality rates were compared. A total of 37 predictor variables were evaluated to define those associated with mortality. RESULTS: Data from 250 patients with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza were analyzed. Patients with low predicted mortality rates (0-1.5%) had actual mortality rates ranging from 2.6% to 17.5%. Obesity and wheezing were the only novel variables associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to hospitalize a patient with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza should not be based on current CAP severity scores, as they underestimate mortality rates in a significant number of patients. Patients with obesity or wheezing should be considered at an increased risk for mortality.
Subject(s)
Community-Acquired Infections/mortality , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza, Human/mortality , Pneumonia, Viral/mortality , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Community-Acquired Infections/physiopathology , Community-Acquired Infections/virology , Female , Forecasting , Hospitalization , Humans , Influenza, Human/complications , Influenza, Human/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/physiopathology , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , Respiratory Sounds/physiopathology , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
The association between systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome can cause several complications. We report a 45 years old woman, treated with steroids for a systemic lupus erythematosus. She presented with a clinical picture of a lupus pneumonitis and, subsequently, with the picture of a pulmonary thromboembolism. The diagnosis was confirmed by helicoidal computed axial tomography. The patient was treated with anticoagulants, with a favourable outcome.