Pneumonia Versus Aspiration Pneumonitis in Nursing Home Residents: Diagnosis and Management

• DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-5215.2002.51004.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T05:38:32Z
• Authors: Joseph M. Mylotte; Susan Goodnough; Bruce J. Naughton
• Keywords: Aspiration Pneumonia; Chest radiograph; Pneumonitis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of aspiration pneumonitis in nursing home residents with an initial diagnosis pneumonia and to compare clinical characteristics, management, outcome those pneumonia. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Hospital geriatric unit for residents. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing admitted inpatient suspected between May 1999 April 2001 (n = 195 episodes). MEASUREMENTS: Aspiration events were defined as definite (witnessed or unwitnessed) suspected. was symptoms/signs lower respiratory tract infection plus a history event lobe infiltrate on chest radiograph. Pneumonia radiograph no event. RESULTS: The episodes stratified into three groups: 86; history/infiltrate), 43; 66; history/no infiltrate). In general, symptoms, signs, laboratory tests not useful distinguishing groups. Survivors (13/75 (17%)) (20/60 (33%)) significantly more likely be treated antibiotic 1 day less than (0/41; P < . 001). Excluding treated, patients (33/40 (83%)) discharged treatment (35/70 (50%)) (21/51 (41%); There significant difference hospital mortality CONCLUSIONS: findings this study have implications management but require prospective validation.