Aetiology and prediction of pneumonia in lower respiratory tract infection in primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Knowledge of predominant pathogens and their association with outcome are of importance for the management of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). As antibiotic therapy is indicated in pneumonia and not in acute bronchitis, a predictor of pneumonia is needed.

Aim

To describe the aetiology and outcome of LRTI in adults with pneumonic and adults with non-pneumonic LRTI treated in general practice and to identify predictors of radiographic pneumonia.

Design of study

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

Forty-two general practices and an outpatient clinic at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.

Method

A total of 364 adults diagnosed with community-acquired LRTI by their GP were studied with chest ra

SUBMITTER: Holm A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2099637 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature