Use of serum C reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations in addition to symptoms and signs to predict pneumonia in patients presenting to primary care with acute cough: diagnostic study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To quantify the diagnostic accuracy of selected inflammatory markers in addition to symptoms and signs for predicting pneumonia and to derive a diagnostic tool.

Design

Diagnostic study performed between 2007 and 2010. Participants had their history taken, underwent physical examination and measurement of C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin in venous blood on the day they first consulted, and underwent chest radiography within seven days.

Setting

Primary care centres in 12 European countries.

Participants

Adults presenting with acute cough.

Main outcome measures

Pneumonia as determined by radiologists, who were blind to all other information when they judged chest radiographs.

Results

Of 3106 eligible patients, 286 were excluded b

SUBMITTER: van Vugt SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3639712 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature