ICJEM
Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of emergency medicine and all specialties involved in the management of emergencies in the hospital and prehospital environment of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Approach to community-acquired pneumonia in high-risk patient groups in the emergency department
Abstract
Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a particularly severe clinical course observed in high-risk patient groups. Elderly individuals, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women are of special concern regarding adverse pneumonia-related outcomes, owing to their increased susceptibility to infection, diagnostic challenges, and heightened risk of complications. In these populations, the disease frequently presents with atypical clinical findings, and early diagnosis may be delayed. In elderly patients, non-specific manifestations such as confusion, decline in functional capacity, and falls may predominate, whereas in immunocompromised individuals, opportunistic pathogens and resistant microorganisms more commonly contribute to the etiology. In pregnancy, cardiorespiratory and immunological alterations may influence the course of infection and increase the risk of fetal complications due to maternal hypoxemia. Furthermore, current guidelines emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate microbiological assessment, and individualized treatment approaches in high-risk patient groups. In this section, the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for pneumonia in high-risk patient groups will be addressed in light of contemporary literature.

Keywords : Community-acquired pneumonia, high-risk patients, emergency department

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 59-65
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJEM-0081
Article Information
Received : 11 Haz 2026
Accepted : 14 Tem 2026
Published : 19 Eyl 2026
Corresponding Author :

Maşide Arı: Department of Pulmonology, Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Arı M. Approach to community-acquired pneumonia in high-risk patient groups in the emergency department. Intercont J Emerg Med. 2026;4(3):59-65. doi:10.51271/ICJEM-0081

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