OPA14 PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF VIRAL PNEUMONIA IN THE MALAYSIAN ADULT URBAN POPULATION

Chee Kuan Wong1,2, Chia Xiang Lim1, Vijayan Munusamy2, Leng Cheng Sia2, Nur Husna Ibrahim2, Chun Ian Soo1,2, Mau Ern Poh1.2, Thian Chee Loh1,2, Jiunn Liang Tan2, Yong Kek Pang1,2
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2Department of Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Introduction 

Pneumonia is a second leading cause of death in Malaysia (11.4%). Viral pneumonia comprised of 9.8% of the aetiology of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Asia and was perceived as less severe in contrast to bacteria pneumonia. This study aims to report the prevalence and clinical outcomes of viral pneumonia in Malaysian adult urban population.

Methodology 

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults diagnosed with viral pneumonia, identifying viral pathogens using a comprehensive respiratory panel.  Recovery rate, 30-day readmission rate, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were some of the clinical outcomes being assessed. Complications were categorized based on the number of events per patient.

Results 

There were 149 viral pneumonia cases detected among 812 CAP admission, indicating the prevalence of 18.3%.  The common respiratory virus pathogens were Influenza virus (40.5%), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) A+B (16.3%), Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (15.7%), and Human Metapneumovirus A+B (8.5%). Most patients recovered (81.2%), with a low 30-day readmission rate (3.4%) and mortality rate (4.7%). Mortality cases were attributed to Influenza virus (3), RSV (2), Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (1), and Coronavirus OC43 (1). The median length of stay (LOS) was 6.0 days (IQR 4.0 – 8.5). Majority (79.2%) of them developed one or more complications.

Conclusion 

The prevalence of viral pneumonia is higher compared to the Asian data, likely attributed to higher testing rate with comprehensive viral panel. Influenza virus, RSV and Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus were found to be the main causes of viral pneumonia in Malaysian urban adult population. Vaccination targeted on common respiratory viral pathogen is one of the important strategies to prevent admission and unnecessarily complications associated with viral pneumonia.