LAUSR

Background: An increased risk of cardiovascular complications has been defined in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), but limited data is available for patients with severe CAP. Aims and objectives: The aim of the present study was to define the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors and impact on mortality of acute cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with severe CAP. Methods: This investigation was a retrospective cohort sudy of patients with severe CAP. CVEs were defined as cardiac arrhytmia, congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction. Those with and without events were compared across specific variables by logistic regression to ascertain factors that independently increase the risk. Results: Of 373 patients (mean age 74.5±11.1, 61.3 % male), 56 (15%) developed a cardiovascular event (43 arrhythmia, 11 congestive heart failure and 2 myocardial infarction). Patients who developed an acute cardiovascular event were older, had more severe disease, had more pleural effusion, more hypoalbuminemia and more acidosis. Also, beta-blocker, diuretic, haloperidol and vasopressor use were more significant in these patients. According to the logistic regression analysis, haloperidol use (OR 3.0), hypoalbuminemia (OR 2.6) and diuretic use (OR 2.3) were the most strongest predictors for acute cardiovascular events. Acute CVEs were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 2,187; 95%CI 1,036-4,615, p=0.046) but not associated with 1 or 3 months mortality. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that acute CVEs are not seldom in severe CAP and it is associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized patients.