Epidemiology of pneumonia hospitalizations in Spain, 1995-1998

Objectives: This epidemiological survey was undertaken to estimate the burden of hospital admissions for pneumonia in Spain during a four-year period (1995-1998). Methods: Data were obtained from the national surveillance system for hospital data. Results: There were 2 31,512 hospital admissions for pneumonia (ICD 9 CM 480-486: first listed diagnosis) during this period, that is an annual incidence of 177 cases per 100,000 population. The incidence was higher in children < 5 years of age and in persons greater than or equal to 65 years compared with other age groups. The annual cost of these hospitalizations to the National Health Care System was of 127 million ECUS. Conclusions: Preventive measures, such as vaccination of population groups at high risk, to reduce pneumonia-related morbidity could result in large cost savings to the National Health Care System. (C) 2002 The British Infection Society.