Current Key Points in Management for Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Ignacio      Martin-Loeches; Thiago      Lisboa; Jordi      Rello

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is not a homogeneous entity. S. pneumoniae is the most prevalent pathogen associated with severe CAP and is responsible for two-thirds of CAP-related deaths. Today, there is a need for effective strategies to develop and establish the optimum dosage regimen of new antimicrobial options. Morbidity and mortality in cases with severe CAP are determined by a complex interaction between host factors, features of the microorganism and the therapy administered. The major challenge that CAP presents is the early recognition of subsets requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Despite recent advances in antibiotic therapy, severe CAP remains associated with unacceptable levels of mortality. The present manuscript summarizes the current key points that should be taken into account in the strategies for severe CAP management.

Keywords: Community-acquired pneumonia, CAP, sepsis, ICU management, outcome, homogeneous, antimicrobial, host factors, mortality, ANTIBIOTIC USAGE