Nosocomial Hemophilus pneumonia in patients with severe trauma
Miller, E.H.; Caplan, E.S.
Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics 159(2): 153-156
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6087 PMID: 6611595 Document Number: 232419
In recent years, there have been increasing reports of Haemophilus pneumonia in adults. With few exceptions, these reports described Haemophilus as a cause of community acquired pneumonia. In the past 3 yr, however, 15 instances of nosocomial Haemophilus pneumonia were seen in patients with trauma who were intubated. This represented 11% of the incidences of pneumonia diagnosed in this time period. The average age of the patient was 36 yr and most patients had been in motor vehicle accidents. Six had received antibiotics and 9, steroids prior to their infection. Of note is that all incidences of Haemophilus pneumonia occurred within 11 days of hospitalization. Although the infections were clearly nosocomial, the organisms were probably not hospital acquired. Nevertheless, Haemophilus should be considered a potential cause of early pneumonia in the patients with trauma who are intubated.