[Pneumococcal pneumonia with a fulminant course].

Abstract

Four patients admitted with a pneumococcal pneumonia are described. Well-known risk factors such as immunodeficiency or preexisting cardiopulmonary problems were absent. They had been ill for three to five days and had not been treated with antibiotics. Three patients died; upon admission these had extensive pulmonary infiltrates (two or more lobes affected), respiratory insufficiency necessitating mechanical ventilation, and shock at or soon after admission. The prognosis of pneumococcal pneumonia with a fulminant course has not improved in the last few decades despite proper antibiotics and intensive care treatment. Mortality is over fifty percent. Early recognition and treatment can contribute to a better prognosis.

• Authors: H Waanders, E A Compier, A E Meinders
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 136 Issue 24 Pg. 1157-61 (Jun 13 1992) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Pneumokokken-pneumonie met fulminant beloop.
• PMID: 1608482 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Critical Care
• Female
• Hemodynamics
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pneumonia, Pneumococcal (microbiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (mortality, physiopathology)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (isolation & purification)