Effect of Chronic Illnesses on Length of Stay and Mortality of Community Acquired Pneumonia in a Community Hospital

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of demographics, substance abuse, and chronic illnesses on length of hospitalization and mortality of pneumonia. 866 patients admitted to a community hospital with diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia were studied. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed for the effect of chronic illnesses on length of stay and mortality. Age (p=0.064), coronary artery disease (p=0.017), congestive heart failure (p=0.011), history of neoplasm (p=0.079) and chronic kidney disease (p<0.001) were associated with increased length of stay. Age (p<0.001), history of stroke (p=0.013), history of neoplasm (p=0.028), and chronic kidney disease (p=0.005) were associated with higher mortality from community-acquired pneumonia. Asthma was associated with decreased length of stay (p=0.006) but no difference in mortality. Respiratory failure and congestive heart failure exacerbation were associated with longer length of stay (p<0.001) but no difference in mortality. ICU admission was associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality (p<0.001). Septic shock secondary to pneumonia was associated with longer length of stay and higher mortality (p<0.0001). Age (p=0.04), alcohol abuse (p=0.03), coronary artery disease (p=0.05), congestive heart failure (p=0.009) and chronic kidney disease (p=0.011) were predictors of higher level of care needed during hospital stay for community acquired pneumonia.