Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine
-
Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2024
Microbiology of Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia and the Role of Rapid Molecular Techniques.
The microbiology of severe community acquired pneumonia (SCAP) has implications on management, clinical outcomes and public health policy. Therefore, knowledge of the etiologies of SCAP and methods to identify these microorganisms is key. Bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae continue to be important causes of SCAP. ⋯ Molecular diagnostics utilize culture-independent technology to identify species-specific genetic sequences. These tests are often semi-automated and provide results within hours, which provides an opportunity for expedient antibiotic stewardship. The existing literature suggests molecular diagnostic techniques may improve antibiotic stewardship in CAP, and future research should investigate optimal methods for implementation of these assays into clinical practice.
-
Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2024
ReviewDefinition, Epidemiology, and Pathogenesis of Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
The clinical presentation of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can vary widely among patients. While many individuals with mild symptoms can be managed as outpatients with excellent outcomes, there is a distinct subgroup of patients who present with severe CAP. In these cases, the mortality rate can reach approximately 25% within 30 days and even up to 50% within a year. ⋯ In these patients, the host response may be dysregulated and compartmentalized. Gaining a better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of severe CAP will provide a foundation for the development of new therapies for this condition. This manuscript aims to review the definition, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of severe CAP, shedding light on important aspects that can aid in the improvement of patient care and outcomes.
-
Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2024
ReviewRisk of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is difficult to treat when caused by difficult-to-treat (DTR) pathogens because of limited treatment options and poorer clinical outcomes. Over time, several predictive scoring systems based on risk factors for infection with multidrug resistant pathogens have been developed. We reviewed the available tools for identifying DTR pathogens as the cause of SCAP, both predictive scoring systems and rapid diagnostic methods, to develop management strategies aimed at early identification of DTR pathogens, reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use and improving clinical outcomes. ⋯ Rapid diagnostic tools, such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction, would be useful for the rapid identification of pneumonia-causing pathogens and their resistance mechanisms. In resource-limited settings, rapid tests should be limited to patients at high risk of developing SCAP due to DTR pathogens. We propose an integrative algorithm based on the different scores, taking into account local epidemiological data, where ideally each center should have an antimicrobial stewardship program.
-
Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2024
ReviewSevere Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients.
Due to higher survival rates with good quality of life, related to new treatments in the fields of oncology, hematology, and transplantation, the number of immunocompromised patients is increasing. But these patients are at high risk of intensive care unit admission because of numerous complications. Acute respiratory failure due to severe community-acquired pneumonia is one of the leading causes of admission. ⋯ For patients with an undetermined etiology despite comprehensive diagnostic workup, the hospital mortality rate is very high. Thus, a standardized diagnosis strategy should be defined to increase the diagnosis rate and prescribe the appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the benefit-to-risk ratio of invasive or noninvasive strategies, in the era of omics, for the management of critically ill immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia in terms of diagnosis and oxygenation.
-
Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2024
Treatment Failure and Clinical Stability in Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
Treatment failure and clinical stability are important outcomes in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is essential to know the causes and risk factors for treatment failure and delay in reaching clinical stability in CAP. The study of both as well as the associated underlying mechanisms and host response are key to improving outcomes in pneumonia.