CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOSPITALACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE VILLA HAYES REGIONAL HOSPITAL, 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HIP) is one of the leading healthcare-associated infections, with high morbidity and mortality and impact on healthcare systems. The objective was to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HIP in patients hospitalized at Villa Hayes Regional Hospital during 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was conducted. A total of 358 hospitalized adult patients were analyzed, identifying 41 cases of HIP. Demographic and clinical variables, risk factors, invasive procedures, etiologic agents, hospital stay, and discharge status were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of HIP was 11 %. Men predominated (63 %), with a mean age of 67 years. The most frequent risk factors were smoking (51 %) and high blood pressure (42 %). The most common invasive procedure was nasogastric tube (63 %). The most frequently isolated pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae (63 %). The predominant hospital stay was 4-10 days, and mortality was 61 %. Conclusion: HIP primarily affects older adults, men, with risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure. The 
high mortality rate underscores the need to strengthen preventive and control strategies in the hospital setting.