Severe community-acquired pneumonia in alcoholic patients hospitalized in intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol abuse has been well recognized as a significant risk factor for severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) with variable data about pneumonia complications.

Objective: To study clinical peculiarities and complications of SCAP in alcoholic patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of SCAP hospitalized in ICU of Sfanta Treime Municipal Hospital, Chisinau, from October 2014 to November 2015. We included 104 patients divided into 2 groups: group A (32 alcoholic patients) and group NA (72 non-alcoholic patients).

Results: There was a higher rate of patients younger than 65 years and male gender in group A - 78.1% vs 56.9% in group NA and 75% vs 50%, respectively (p>0.05). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen in both groups. Mental confusion on admission and pleural effusion were more frequently registered in group A: 28.1vs 4.2% and 25% vs 4.2% (p>0.05), respectively. No significant differences in laboratory data were revealed, except hypoalbuminemia in group A - 31.3 % vs 8.3 %. ARDS was diagnosed in 15.6% in group A vs 16.7% in group NA (p>0.05) and septic shock in 43.8% vs 15.3% (p<0.05), respectively. Mortality rate was 21.9% in group A vs 8.3% in group NA (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In our study mental confusion on admission, pleural effusion, hypoalbuminemia and septic shock were among the main features of severe community-acquired pneumonia in alcoholic patients hospitalized in intensive care unit.