What is the best antimicrobial treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia (including the role of steroids and statins and other immunomodulatory agents)

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2013 Mar;27(1):133-47. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2012.11.014. Epub 2012 Dec 21.

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases in the United States. The mortality rate due to severe CAP has shown little improvement over the past few years, with a rate as high as 50% mainly in patients admitted to intensive care units. Death and adverse outcomes from CAP result from a complex interplay between the pathogen and the host. Several therapies have been tested in patients with severe CAP in recent years. This article reviews recent data regarding different treatments including antimicrobials and adjunctive therapies in patients with severe CAP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunomodulation
  • Macrolides / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia / immunology
  • Steroids / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Macrolides
  • Steroids