Severe community-acquired pneumonia

Eur Respir Rev. 2022 Dec 14;31(166):220123. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0123-2022. Print 2022 Dec 31.

Abstract

Severe community-acquired pneumonia is the most life-threatening form of community-acquired pneumonia, characterised by intensive care unit admission and high morbidity and mortality. In this review article, we cover in depth six aspects of severe community-acquired pneumonia that are still controversial: use of PCR molecular techniques for microbial diagnosis; the role of biomarkers for initial management; duration of treatment, macrolides or quinolones in the initial empirical antibiotic therapy; the use of prediction scores for drug-resistant pathogens to modify initial empiric therapy; the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow nasal oxygen; and the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy in severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Macrolides / adverse effects
  • Pneumonia* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Macrolides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents