Estudio del deterioro psicofísico y funcional en pacientes ingresados con neumonía. Análisis por grupos de edad

Introduction: Hospital admissions due to pneumonia range from 1.1 to 4 per 1,000 patients and this figure increases with age. Hospitalization causes a decline in functional status. Physical impairment impedes recovery and constitutes a higher risk of disability and mortality in elderly people. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of hospital stay in patients with pneumonia related with age. Method: A total of 116 patients with pneumonia were included in this study, and divided into two age groups: <75 years (n=68) and >= 75 years (n=48). Respiratory function, physical function and psychological and emotional profile were evaluated. Pneumonia severity, nutritional status, independence and comorbidities were also assessed. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between both age groups in pneumonia severity and comorbidities. Significant improvements between admission and discharge were found in lung function in both groups (p < 0.05), while a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in strength assessed by dynamometer was found in the >= 75 years group. Conclusion: Hospitalization leads to a significant physical impairment in patients admitted for pneumonia. This deterioration increases with age. (C) 2014 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.