Does empirical therapy with a fluoroquinolone or the combination of a β-lactam plus a macrolide result in better outcomes for patients admitted to the general ward?

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2013 Mar;27(1):115-32. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2012.11.004. Epub 2012 Dec 1.

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide, in particular among older patients and those with significant comorbid conditions. Current guidelines recommend therapy with a fluoroquinolone or a β-lactam plus a macrolide for the treatment of hospitalized adults with CAP who do not require admission to an intensive care unit. This article provides a brief summary and overview of the existing literature on this topic categorized by the main results; the potential implications for future clinical practice and research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fluoroquinolones / therapeutic use*
  • Hospitals, General
  • Humans
  • Macrolides / therapeutic use*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • beta-Lactams / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Macrolides
  • beta-Lactams