1 In 4 Pneumococcal Disease Patients In High Risk Groups Die

Date: May-31-2012Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an important cause of preventable illness, disability and death in the UK. Now, new data shows that around 27.8% of IPD-related deaths are amongst individuals aged 16+. In addition, 50% of individuals aged 65 and over with chronic liver disease who contract IPD will die.

Conditions, such as HIV, kidney disease, and respiratory disease all increase the risk of contracting IPD, and according to the study findings, an estimated 15% of adults aged 16 to 64 years in England live with one of these conditions, and 45% of adults over 65 years.

2,784 adults in England contract IPD each year. According to the researchers, individuals aged 16-64 years with chronic liver disease are 33% more likely to contract IPD than healthy individuals.

Although the risk of contracting IPD is increasing, only around 34.4% of at-risk patients receive a pneumococcal vaccination. Although uptake increases to 67% among patients aged 65+, 33% still remain unvaccinated and at risk.

These findings highlight the lack of awareness of available vaccine options amongst patients and a need for multidisciplinary teams in primary and secondary care to put more importance on proactive prevention.

According to the Department of Health's (DH) recommendations, individuals aged 65+, those with a weak immune system, or people with a serious medical condition should all receive pneumococcal vaccination.

At present, the government is reviewing strategies to address the high risk that these groups face. In addition, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) is currently discussing ways to make sure that the national adult vaccination program is as effective as possible.

However, the impact on patients isn't the only concern. Direct medical costs for IPD admissions for adults costs the nation around £8 million each year; £4.3 million a year to treat IPD patients with chronic heart disease; and around £650,000 per year for patients with chronic liver disease.

Chris Head, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, explained:

"The burden of IPD, from both a personal and economic standpoint, will continue to increase in the UK is we don't see improved prevention strategies and greater uptake of pneumococcal vaccination.

There is already a significant rate of mortality and morbidity, particularly among those most at risk, and against the backdrop of our aging population this will only increase further if we don't find better ways of preventing it now."

Written By Grace Rattue

Copyright: Medical News Today

Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.