THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA ON PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: A COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) poses a significant challenge for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to exacerbations, hospitalizations, and increased mortality rates. Understanding the impact of CAP on COPD patients is crucial for optimizing management strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from [insert healthcare institution(s)] to evaluate the impact of CAP on COPD patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes, healthcare utilization patterns, economic burden, and predictors of adverse outcomes were analysed.
Result & Observation: Our analysis revealed that COPD patients with CAP experienced higher exacerbation rates, hospital admissions, ICU admissions, and mortality rates compared to those without CAP. Healthcare utilization was significantly increased in COPD patients with CAP, leading to higher economic burden. Predictors of adverse outcomes included COPD severity, comorbidities, CAP severity scores, and microbiological findings.
Conclusion: CAP significantly impacts clinical outcomes, healthcare utilization, and economic burden in COPD patients. Early detection, prompt management, and comprehensive care are essential for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population. These findings underscore the importance of preventive measures, risk stratification, and personalized management approaches to reduce the burden of CAP in COPD patients.