Investigação do perfil epidemiológico e de parâmetros respiratórios de idosos internados na enfermaria de um hospital público em decorrência de pneumonia adquirida na Comunidade

Abstract

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is on of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality in the elderly. Its distinction from other types of pneumonia lies in the mode of transmission, occurring outside hospital settings or manifesting within 48 hours of hospitalization. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the epidemiological profile and respiratory parameters of elderly individuals with CommunityAcquired Pneumonia (CAP). The research was conducted in the clinical-medical ward of Dr. Aldair Geraldo Regional Hospital in Coari-AM, with a sample of 14 elderly participants, average age 78 years, collected between August 2023 and October 2024. Instruments such as manovacuometry and the CURB-65 score were used to assess the severity of CAP and the patient’s respiratory function. Results: Fourteen elderly individuals were included in the study, with a men age of 76.4 years. The majority were male (64%), of mixed race (64,2%), retired (64%), and had a family income of one minimum wage (92%). Half reported collecting garbage at home, and 57% lived in urban areas. The most common comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases (35,7%), and 50% of participants had one to two comorbidities. The severity of pneumonia, as measured by the CURB-65 score, had an average of 2.1 points, and the average hospital length of stay was 4.6 days. The average respiratory rate was 23.5 breath/min, and SpO2 was 97.2%. All patients hospitalized for up to 3 days used oxygen therapy, while 62.5% of those hospitalized for more the 3 days also required it. The average respiratory muscle strength was 22 cmH2O, with a significant difference observed for patients on oxygen therapy (p= 0,025). These data highlight the need for interventions to strengthen respiratory capacity and reduce hospital stay. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing respiratory parameters and the profile of elderly with CAP. It underscores that advanced age, vulnerable sociodemographic conditions, and comorbidities increase susceptibility to severe infections. The frequent need for prolong oxygen therapy in these patients points to the importance of respiratory rehabilitation strategies and public health policies focused on prevention aiming to reduce hospitalization time and promote faster recovery with fewer complications.