17th February 2025

Complications of bacterial pneumonia

In severe cases of pneumonia a septic picture may emerge, which can include an acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and a high risk of mortality.

Other complications include syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, pulmonary abscesses, parapneumonic effusions and empyema. Rarely, often in vulnerable patients prone to self neglect, a long-standing empyema may dissect from the pleural space and invade through the chest wall, which is described as empyema necessitans.