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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia
Published on: May 6, 2014
PURLs: When to "CAP" off treatment for pneumonia
Gregory Castelli1, Jennie B Jarrett2
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center St. Margaret, PA, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|October 10, 2017
Summary
A 5-day antibiotic course for community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients is as effective as longer treatments. This shorter regimen also reduces adverse patient outcomes, improving care.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of hospitalization.
- Optimal antibiotic duration for inpatient CAP remains a key clinical question.
- Prolonged antibiotic courses may increase risks of adverse events and resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a 5-day antibiotic regimen versus longer durations for inpatient community-acquired pneumonia.
- To evaluate the impact of antibiotic treatment duration on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of inpatient electronic health records.
- Comparison of clinical success rates between patients receiving 5-day and longer antibiotic courses.
- Assessment of patient outcomes including adverse events, length of stay, and readmission rates.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in clinical success rates was observed between the 5-day and longer treatment groups.
- The 5-day antibiotic group experienced a statistically significant reduction in negative patient outcomes.
- Specific adverse events, such as Clostridioides difficile infection, were less frequent in the shorter treatment arm.
Conclusions:
- A 5-day antibiotic treatment course is a safe and effective option for hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
- Shorter antibiotic durations can be implemented without compromising clinical outcomes.
- Reducing antibiotic exposure may mitigate patient harm and support antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
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