Community Acquired Pneumonia in Older Adults
Community Acquired Pneumonia in Older Adults
This study will utilize diagnostic imaging to estimate the prevalence of aspiration in older
 adults with suspected community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). 62 participants over the
 age of 65 diagnosed with pneumonia in the University of Wisconsin (UW) Emergency Department
 will be recruited into this study.
Pneumonia is the most common infectious cause of mortality in older adults. Standard practice
 for older adults with pneumonia involves hospitalization and antibiotics. However, recent
 studies suggest that a significant portion of suspected community-acquired bacterial
 pneumonia (CABP) cases may actually be due to distinct, dysphagia-related aspiration
 syndromes (e.g. aspiration pneumonia, pneumonitis).

 The proposed study will utilize diagnostic imaging to generate a prevalence estimate for
 aspiration in older adults diagnosed with pneumonia. The following aim will be completed:

 Determine the prevalence of aspiration among older adults with pneumonia and rates of
 recurrent pneumonia in this population.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Pneumonia diagnosis: healthcare provider thinks it is more likely than not that
 patient has a pneumonia diagnosis

 -  Planned admission to UW hospital or willingness to come back for testing within 14
 days

 -  Ability to provide consent or the presence of a legally authorized representative
 (LAR) who can consent on behalf of the patient

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Prisoner

 -  Non-English speaking

 -  Planned admission to IMC or ICU or diagnosis of delirium

 -  Allergy to barium