Comprehensive management of pneumonia in older patients

Abstract

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death and functional decline in the older population. Diagnosis of pneumonia conventionally includes the presence of respiratory signs and symptoms, systemic signs of infection and a radiographic demonstration of lung involvement. Pneumonia diagnosis in the very old patient is compromised by atypical and unspecific presentation, resulting in a high proportion of false positive diagnosis. Chest radiograph is frequently of low quality and inconclusive in older patients. Computed tomography scan and chest ultrasound may provide valuable diagnostic confirmation in uncertain cases. Bacterial pneumonia has been mainly studied, but viruses, among which influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus, are increasingly recognized as major players. The decision to treat pneumonia is usually based on a triple assessment of diagnostic probability, disease severity and the general assessment of the patient (frailty, comorbidities, place of living, and goals of care). Antimicrobial treatment is probabilistic, targeting common pathogens. The optimal antibiotic treatment depends on epidemiological data, setting of acquisition, comorbidities, risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or aspiration pneumonia, and severity. Recent controlled trials have demonstrated the non-inferiority of short regimen in non-severe community acquired pneumonia, even in older individuals and a five-day antibiotic treatment is recommended in case of clinical improvement. Pneumonia management in older patients requires a comprehensive approach, including control of comorbidities (particularly cardiovascular), nutritional support, rehabilitation, and prevention of aspiration. Finally, pneumonia may be a pre-terminal event in many patients, requiring advanced-care planning and prompt instauration of palliative management.