Diagnostic value of C reactive protein in infections of the lower respiratory tract: systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of C reactive protein in detecting radiologically proved pneumonia and to evaluate how well it can discriminate between bacterial and viral infections of the lower respiratory tract.

Data sources

Medline and Embase (January 1966 to April 2004), with reference checking.

Study selection

We included articles comparing C reactive protein with a chest radiograph or with microbiological work-up as a reference test. Two authors independently assessed methodological items.

Results

None of the studies met all validity criteria. Six studies used an infiltrate on chest radiograph as reference test. Sensitivities ranged from 10% to 98%, specificities from 44% to 99%. For adults, the relation of C reactive protein with an infil

SUBMITTER: van der Meer V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC558535 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature