Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Decoding community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and analysis of diagnostic criteria and definitions used
Markus Fally1, Jan Hansel2, Rebecca C Robey3
1Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background:
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening condition. Even though the disease is common, evidence on CAP management is often of variable quality. This may be reinforced by the lack of a systematic and homogeneous way of defining the disease in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Objectives:
This study aims to assess the diagnostic criteria and definitions of the term 'community-acquired' used in RCTs on CAP management.
Data Sources:
On the basis of the protocol (PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019147411), we conducted a systematic search of Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs published or registered between 2010 and 2024.
Study Eligibility Criteria:
Study eligibility criteria included completed and ongoing RCTs.
Participants:
Participants included adults hospitalized with CAP.
Methods Of Data Synthesis:
Data were collected using a tested extraction sheet, as endorsed by the Cochrane Collaboration. After cross-checking, data were synthesized in a narrative and tabular form.
Results:
In total, 7173 records were identified through our searches. After removing records that did not fulfil the eligibility criteria, 170 studies were included. Diagnostic criteria were provided in 69.4% of studies, and the term 'community-acquired' was defined in 55.3% of studies. The most frequently included diagnostic criteria were pulmonary infiltrates (94.1%), cough (78.8%), fever (77.1%), dyspnoea (62.7%), sputum (57.6%), auscultation/percussion abnormalities (55.9%), and chest pain/discomfort (52.5%). The different criteria were used in 87 different sets across the studies. The term 'community-acquired' was defined in 57 different ways.
Conclusions:
The diagnostic criteria and definitions of CAP in RCTs exhibit significant heterogeneity. Standardizing these criteria in clinical trials is crucial to ensure comparability across studies.
More Related Videos
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
08:36Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment
Published on: April 19, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:10Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...