PNEUMONIA IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: CLINICAL IMPACTS, PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AND STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING MORBIMORTALITY IN CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSED

Abstract

Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among children under five years of age, older adults, and immunosuppressed individuals, who are at increased risk of infection, unfavorable clinical outcomes, and severe complications. This chapter aims to discuss the clinical impacts of pneumonia in these vulnerable populations, highlighting the main prognostic factors associated with disease severity and evidence-based strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. This is a narrative literature review based on national and international scientific publications, clinical guidelines, and reports from health organizations. The reviewed evidence indicates that extremes of age, comorbidities, immunodeficiency, malnutrition, delayed diagnosis, antimicrobial resistance, and limited access to healthcare services are major determinants of poor prognosis. Conversely, preventive measures such as vaccination, breastfeeding, appropriate management of chronic diseases, early diagnosis, rational antimicrobial use, timely clinical support, and strengthened primary healthcare significantly reduce hospitalizations, complications, and mortality. In conclusion, addressing pneumonia in vulnerable populations requires a multidisciplinary approach, continuous epidemiological surveillance, and the implementation of public health policies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on healthcare systems.