ESCAPE10: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Severe Community-acquired Pneumonia in Elderly Patients Acquired Pneumonia in Elderly Patients
The ESCAPE 10 study is looking at severe lung infections (pneumonia) in people aged 65 and older across Europe. The main goal is to understand how many older people with severe pneumonia pass away within 28 days of getting sick. The study will also explore why some people get more serious complications, how long they stay in hospital, and what treatments they need. By looking back at patient medical records, researchers hope to find better ways to care for older adults with severe pneumonia, improve safety, and predict who might need more intensive help. It will also look at any differences based on gender and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Severe pneumonia is a serious lung infection, and it can be particularly risky for older adults. The ESCAPE 10 study is a major project happening across several European countries, focusing on people aged 65 and over who get severe pneumonia that starts outside of a hospital setting. The researchers want to get a clearer picture of how common this type of pneumonia is, who is most affected, and what happens to them after they get sick.
The main aim of this study is to see how many older patients with severe pneumonia die within 28 days of being diagnosed. But it’s not just about that; the researchers also want to understand other important things, like how long people stay in the hospital, if they need intensive care or breathing support, and what complications they might face. They will also look for common factors or 'risk factors' that might lead to a worse outcome, to help doctors identify patients who might need extra care.
Ultimately, the information gathered from this study will be used to improve how doctors treat severe pneumonia in older patients. By understanding these patterns, hospitals can improve their care plans, ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time, and potentially save lives. This research doesn't involve any new treatments; it's simply looking back at existing medical information to learn and improve future care.
Key takeaways
- Looks at severe lung infections (pneumonia) in people aged 65 and over.
- Aims to understand why some older patients get very sick and how they recover.
- No active participation; researchers use existing medical records.
- Hopes to improve future care, safety, and treatment plans for older adults with pneumonia.
- Compares outcomes between men and women and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for information from people who are 65 years old or older. You would have had to be diagnosed with pneumonia, which was confirmed with an X-ray, CT scan, or lung ultrasound, and it needed to be a severe type of pneumonia as defined by the study rules.
People who are younger than 65 years old would not be included. Also, if you were recently in hospital for more than two days within the last ten days before getting pneumonia, you wouldn't be part of this study. The study also wouldn't include information from patients who are unfortunately at the very end of their life or who have chosen to have only comfort care rather than intensive medical treatments.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 65 years old or older?
- Did you have pneumonia confirmed by an X-ray or scan?
- Was your pneumonia considered 'severe' by medical definition?
- Were you NOT recently in hospital (more than 2 days in the last 10 days) before getting pneumonia?
- Were you NOT receiving only comfort care for a terminal illness?
What does participation involve?
If you were eligible for this study, you wouldn't need to do anything at all. This is a "retrospective" study, meaning researchers look back at medical records that have already been created. There are no special visits, assessments, new medications, or follow-up appointments needed from you. Your medical information, with your personal details removed to protect your privacy, would simply be collected from your existing hospital records.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (18)
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Dr. Fran MihaljevićVerified postcodeZagreb, Croatia
- Thibaut FraisseVerified postcodeAlès, France
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Hôpitaux du Pays du Mont-Blanc - Site de ChamonixVerified postcodeChamonix, France
- Centre hospitalier Alpes LémanVerified postcodeContamine-sur-Arve, France
- Centre Hospitalier de MelunVerified postcodeMelun, France
- Hôpital Bichat - Claude-BernardVerified postcodeParis, France
- Evangelismos General HospitalVerified postcodeAthens, Greece
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di ModenaVerified postcodeModena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto IVerified postcodeRome, Italy
- ASST del Garda - Ospedale Civile "La Memoria" di GavardoVerified postcodeGavardo, Italy
- ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli Hospital - Infectious Diseases UnitVerified postcodePalermo, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria PisanaVerified postcodePisa, Italy
Common questions
What is 'severe community-acquired pneumonia'?
It's a serious lung infection caught outside of a hospital, which can be particularly tough on older people.
Will I need to go to special appointments?
No, this study only reviews existing medical records. You won't need to do anything extra.
Who is funding this study?
The information provided doesn't specify the funding source for this European-wide study.
How will my personal information be kept safe?
Researchers will use a secure, coded system (REDCap) to extract data from medical records, ensuring your personal details are protected.
What do they hope to achieve?
The study aims to improve how doctors care for older patients with severe pneumonia, making treatments safer and more effective in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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