Abstract
Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of a group of patients diagnosed with pneumococcal bacteraemic community acquired pneumonia (PBCAP) depending on the results of pneumococcus urinary antigen testing (PUAT).
Methods: We have studied all patients admitted to the Respiratory Service and/or ICU of our hospital for 10 years. Patients have been divided into two groups according to the results of PUAT (BINAX®). Exclusion criteria included (1)acquired immune deficiency syndrome, other inmunodeficiencies or under immunosupresive treatment; (2) health care associated pneumonia.
Results: We have studied 250 patients, 233 out of them underwent UPADT.
Conclusions: 1. PUAT positivity was associated with an early antibiotic prescription at the emergency department at admission. 2. Patients with positive PUAT were more frequently admitted to ICU. They also had a higher mean hospital stay but there were no signifficant differences regarding severity according to PSI and CURB score. 3. Patients under negative PUADT had a lower but no significant mortality rate.
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