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One hundred thirty-four consecutive cases of pneumococcal bacteremia observed during a six-year period were evaluated. One hundred nineteen (89%) were associated with pneumonia. Factors associated with increased mortality were advanced age, a leukocyte count at admission of less than 5,000/cu mm, neoplastic disease, and involvement of two or more pulmonary lobes in patients with pneumonia. Mortality was 30.5% overall, and 76% in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with pneumococcal bacteremia. Pneumococcal infection continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality despite modern supportive care and antimicrobial therapy.
Edward W. Hook (Fri,) studied this question.