ABSTRACT: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the management approaches, treatment regimens, and outcomes in patients admitted with pneumonia to a tertiary care hospital. Through a prospective observational method, clinical profiles, a laboratory investigation, radiological findings, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of current protocols and to identify gaps for potential improvement.The majority of patients were male (approximately65%) and cover the age 60 comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were commonly observed. Clinical features predominantly included cough with sputum, fever, breathlessness, and chest pan. Radiographic findings frequent showed lobar consolidation, bilateral infiltrates, or pleural effusion.Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated in 100% of cases, with regimen modifications based on culture sensitivity reports in around 28% of patients. Supportive therapy such as oxygen supplementation, nebulization, IV fluids, corticosteroids, and non-invasive ventilation was provided as indicated. ICU admission was required in 19.8% of cases, primarily for respiratory failure and sepsis.Of the 121 patients, 81 (66.9%) recovered fully; 21 (17.4%) showed partial improvement with prolonged hospitalization and 12(9.9%) succumbed to the illness. Factors associated with poor prognosis included advanced age, delayed initiation of antibiotics, presence of multiple comorbidities, and severe radiological findings. The mean duration of hospital stay was 7.3 days, with ICU patients requiring longer stays.This study underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis, timely initiation of appropriate antibiotics, and comprehensive supportive care in the management of pneumonia. The findings support adherence to standardized clinical protocols and highlight the need for antibiotic stewardship to combat clinical protocols and highlight the need for antibiotic stewardship to combat resistance. Regular outcome analysis in tertiary care setting can help optimize treatment approaches and reduce pneumonia-related mortality.
Dr.D. Rathnasree, Byagari Srikanth, Khakasha Firdous, P. Supriya Chowdary
