Clinical and temporal patterns of severe pneumonia causing critical illness during Hajj.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization during Hajj and susceptibility and transmission may be exacerbated by extreme spatial and temporal crowding. We describe the number and temporal onset, co-morbidities, and outcomes of severe pneumonia causing critical illness among pilgrims.

Method

A cohort study of all critically ill Hajj patients, of over 40 nationalities, admitted to 15 hospitals in 2 cities in 2009 and 2010. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and variables necessary for calculation of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV scores were collected.

Results

There were 452 patients (64.6% male) who developed critical illness. Pneumonia was the primary cause of critical illness in 123 (27.2%) of all intensive care unit (I

SUBMITTER: Mandourah Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3458962 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature