Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of hospitalization and morbidity, particularly among patients with advanced age and associated comorbidities. Its clinical presentation and short-term outcomes vary according to disease severity and patient characteristics.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile, radiological findings, complications, and short-term outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included 100 patients diagnosed with CAP. Demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, comorbidities, radiological findings, complications, requirement for respiratory support, ICU admission, duration of hospitalization, and in-hospital outcomes were assessed from medical records.

Results: The mean age of patients was 54.4 ± 15.0 years, with males comprising 58%. Fever was the most common presenting symptom (91%), followed by cough (89%), expectoration (70%), and dyspnea (68%). Lobar pneumonia was the predominant radiological pattern (54%), followed by bronchopneumonia (38%). Multilobar involvement was observed in 29% and bilateral involvement in 20% of patients. Pleural effusion (20%), sepsis (17%), and respiratory failure (15%) were the major complications. Respiratory support was required in 45% and ICU admission in 22% of patients. Overall, 91% recovered and were discharged, while in-hospital mortality was 9%. The mean hospital stay was 8.8 ± 5.2 days.

Conclusion: CAP predominantly presented with respiratory symptoms and lobar radiological involvement. Most patients had favorable outcomes, although significant complications and mortality were observed.