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The pneumonia severity index (PSI) or PORT Score is a clinical prediction rule that medical practitioners can use to calculate the probability of morbidity and mortality among patients with community acquired pneumonia. [1] The PSI/PORT score is often used to predict the need for hospitalization in people with pneumonia. [2]
Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection, [2] affecting approximately 450 million people a year and occurring in all parts of the world. [3] It is a major cause of death among all age groups, resulting in 1.4 million deaths in 2010 (7% of the world's yearly total) and 3.0 million deaths in 2016 (the 4th leading cause of death in the world).
Necrotizing pneumonia (NP), also known as cavitary pneumonia or cavitatory necrosis, is a rare but severe complication of lung parenchymal infection. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] In necrotizing pneumonia, there is a substantial liquefaction following death of the lung tissue, which may lead to gangrene formation in the lung.
Atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, [1] is any type of pneumonia not caused by one of the pathogens most commonly associated with the disease. Its clinical presentation contrasts to that of "typical" pneumonia. A variety of microorganisms can cause it. When it develops independently from another disease, it is called primary ...
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in all age groups except newborn infants. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium that often lives in the throat of people who do not have pneumonia. Other important Gram-positive causes of pneumonia are Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis.
Common laboratory findings for parasitic pneumonia includes peripheral eosinophilia, or elevated eosinophil levels on a [[complete blood count. [6] Although this may be present in any parasitic infection, this is a defining feature of Loeffler's syndrome. [7] Parasites may be detected by specific tests depending on which organ system they affect.
While pneumonia is a localized infection, pneumonitis is widespread. [3] A spirometer may also be used to measure pulmonary function. During external examination, clubbing (swelling of fingertip tissue and increase in angle at the nail bed), [14] and basal crackles may be observed.
There is an association between pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza. Damage to the lining of the airways (respiratory epithelium) and upper respiratory system caused by influenza may facilitate pneumococcal entry and infection. [6] Influenza also modifies the innate immune system into a state more accommodating to pneumococcal infections. [7]