Pattern of community acquired pneumonia in pregnant ladies in Ain Shams University hospitals

Back ground: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is recognized as a common problem that carries a substantial morbidity and mortality. The burden of disease falls mainly on people at the extremes of age and while the occurrence of CAP in young adults is uncommon. Nevertheless, pneumonia in young adults can be severe and fatal. Pneumonia in the pregnant patient is the most frequent cause of fatal non-obstetric infection. Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of community acquired pneumonia among pregnant ladies in Ain Shams University hospitals. Patients and method: The present study included 168 pregnant ladies with community acquired pneumonia, who were selected from out patient's clinics of obstetrics and gynecology department, Ain Shams University (ASUH). Results: The present study included 168 pregnant ladies with community acquired pneumonia, who were selected from out patient's clinics of obstetrics and gynecology department, Ain Shams University (ASUH). Their ages ranged from 18-42 years old with mean age of 25.32 years old (+/- 4.20 SD). Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality in pregnant patients with pneumonia continue to present a significant challenge. Early recognition of the diseases process and prompt treatment are required to ascertain an optimal outcome. The treatments in the gravid patients generally follow standard guide lines for the treatment of pneumonia in adults. Concern for fetal outcome should not delay treatment as improvement in maternal oxygenation and status is the best way to ensure fetal protection. (C) 2012 The Egyptian Society of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.