Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with Viral Pneumonia Between October 2017 and April 2018

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory viruses are among the potential seasonal causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and can lead to severe diseases and deaths in patients at risk. In this study, we aimed to present the clinical features of hospitalized patients who underwent RT-PCR during the seasonal period of October 2017-April 2018.
METHODS: One hundred patients (male, 61%; mean age, 58.37±16.8) were included in the study. Demographic data and clinical and laboratory findings of patients were evaluated retrospectively using medical records.
RESULTS: Multiplex RT-PCR test was positive in 76 (76%) patients. The most found virus type was Influenza A (H1N1). Pneumonia was present in 68 of 100 patients. Bilateral infiltration was significantly higher in pneumonia patients (p<0.0001). Influenza A(H1N1) was found to cause pneumonia significantly higher than other viruses, (p<0.0001). Mortality in all pneumonia patients and those with positive viral cultures was 13.3% and 7.9%, respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Viral agents were high in the etiology of CAP causing hospitalization in the seasonal period. Influenza A (H1N1) is seen as the most common cause of viral pneumonia. Bilateral lung infiltration was radiologically observed as the predominant finding of viral pneumonia. Early etiological diagnosis can be achieved with multiplex RT-PCR.