Scientific Publications Database
Article Title: Right Heart Function During and After Community-Acquired Pneumonia in AdultsAuthors: Boczar, Kevin E.; Corrales-Medina, Vicente F.; Burwash, Ian G.; Chirinos, Julio A.; Dwivedi, Girish
Journal: HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION Volume 27 Issue 6
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
Background New-onset or worsening heart failure is the most common extra-pulmonary complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during the first 30 days after diagnosis.Methods We evaluated the changes in the right ventricular function amongst adult CAP survivors from the time of acute infection to its resolution. We performed comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examinations to assess right heart function during the acute illness and the convalescent period (4 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge).Results Twenty-six patients underwent acute measurements, of which convalescent measurements were completed in 19 subjects. There was no significant change in any of the right heart function parameters from the acute to convalescent stage of CAP.Conclusions Our results suggest that right ventricular function does not meaningfully change in the transition from the acute to convalescent stage of CAP in non-critically ill adult CAP survivors.