Mortality and readmission of the elderly one year after hospitalization for pneumonia.
OBJECTIVE
Pneumonia, which is common among the elderly, is associated with untoward consequences. We sought, therefore, to describe the incidence of death and readmission, and to determine predictors of these variables during the year subsequent to index hospitalization.


METHODS
This study involved the follow-up of 153 patients surviving an index hospitalization for pneumonia. Death and readmission were documented, and the relationship of selected variables with these outcomes was determined.


RESULTS
Ninety-six (62.6%) of the patients had died or were readmitted. Only a count of comorbidities was correlated significantly with death, readmission, and either death or readmission. Using regression analysis, death alone was predicted by multiple variables. Grip strength and comorbidity counts correctly classified 75.2% of patients relative to that outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Untoward outcomes are likely among patients surviving acute hospitalization for pneumonia. These outcomes are related to variables that can be targeted in secondary prevention efforts.
Bohannon
Richard W
RW
Institute of Outcome Research and Evaluation, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut 06102, USA. rbohann@harthosp.org
Maljanian
Rose
R
Ferullo
Jenifer
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000401:mortality*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome