Extra-hospital pneumonia caused by Escherichia coli. Review of 15 cases
Falgueras, L.; Almirante, B.; Pahissa, A.; Peracaula, R.; Martínez, J.; Fernández, F.; Martínez Vázquez, J.M.
Medicina Clinica 89(20): 847-850
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 3329276 Document Number: 297149
We have reviewed 15 patients with community-acquired pneumonia by Escherichia coli who had been seen in our center during a 10-year period (1975-1985). Twelve patients were males (80%). Some underlying disease was present in 93%. The patients were divided in two groups depending on the clinical presentation. The first group consisted on the patients with sudden onset and characteristic clinical features of pneumonia. In the second group were included those patients in whom illness developed progressively, without the characteristic symptoms of bacterial pulmonary condensation. Mortality rate was significantly higher in the group with insidious onset (p < 0.01). We analyze the remaining clinical, epidemiological and evolutive characteristics of each group. Complications were present in 40% of patients. Eight patients had bacteremia (53.3%), with a higher degree of respiratory failure and a higher mortality rate. Six patients died (40%) in spite of therapy.