Predictors of Bacteraemia in Patients with Suspected Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The diagnostic yield of blood cultures is limited in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Yet, positive blood culture results provide important information for antibiotic treatment and for monitoring epidemiologic trends. We investigated the potential of clinical predictors to improve the cost-benefit ratio of obtaining blood cultures.

Methods

Data from two prospective cohort studies of adults with suspected CAP, admitted to non-ICU wards, were combined. Two models were created, one using readily available parameters and one additionally including laboratory parameters.

Results

3,786 patients were included (2,626 (69%) with X-ray confirmed CAP). Blood cultures were obtained from 2,977 (79%) patients (and from 2,107 (80%) with X-ray confirmed

SUBMITTER: van Werkhoven CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4658054 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature