Investigació Aplicada en Malalties Respiratòries

The results of this study can change the type of treatment being given at present and recommended by guidelines

To analyze pneumonia in elderly patients is one of the objectives of the study HCAP (Health Care Associated Pneumonia), developed by this research group, belonging to CIBERES, coordinated by Prof. Antoni Torres. "Specifically we studied patients at nursing homes or who have some characteristics named Health Care Associated Pneumonia. This specific group covers nursing home patients, residential, recently hospitalized patients with intravenous treatments at home, all with a community-acquired pneumonia and not hospital-acquired, "says Torres.

Although there is no official data on the number of patients with these characteristics and with pneumonia, "is suspected of 25-30 cases per thousand inhabitants per year, implying a very high figure, since the average is between 3 - 5 cases, "said Torres. At present, participate in this research project 13 Spanish hospitals and more than 500 patients. The study results, which are due by June, "can change the type of treatment being given at present and recommended by guidelines”.