Study of Factors Contributing to the Increasing Incidence of Pneumonia during Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The introduction of antibiotic therapy has significantly altered the severe complications associated with pneumonia during pregnancy. Prior to the antibiotics used, preterm labor and maternal mortality were common outcomes of pneumonia. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the factors contributing to the rising incidence of pneumonia during pregnancy. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted on 36 pneumonia cases among 3468 deliveries investigated in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore - Pakistan from January 2019 to August 2021. Various risk factors for the development of pneumonia during pregnancy included: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, No pathogen identified, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii, Haemophilus influenzae, Influenza A, and Inadequate microbiologic evaluation. Medical and obstetric complications of each patient were evaluated and recorded. Results: The overall mean age of 36 pneumonia cases was 27.8±6.84 years with an age range 20 to 45 years. The incidence of pathogens responsible for pneumonia such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, No pathogen identified, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii, Haemophilus influenzae, Influenza A, and Inadequate microbiologic evaluation was 5.6% (n=2), 38.9% (n=14), 19.4% (n=7), 5.6% (n=2), 11.1% (n=4), 5.6% (n=2), and 8.3% (n=5) respectively. The incidence of different medical complications such as atrial fibrillation, respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation, empyema, and bacteremia was 5.6% (n=2), 22.2% (n=8), 8.3% (n=3), and 13.9% (n=5) respectively. Preterm delivery and labor were the obstetric complications found in 38.9% (n=14) and 44.4% (n=16) respectively. Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumonia was the most prevalent risk factor for pneumonia development during pregnancy. Respiratory failure was the major medical condition found in pneumonia patients. Despite advanced antimicrobial, tocolytic, and supportive treatments, medical and obstetric complications still occur regularly. Maternal conditions such as cystic fibrosis and immunodeficiency syndrome are related to obstetric complications like preterm delivery and mortality..