Nosocomial pneumonia: trying to make sense of the literature.
Nosocomial pneumonia is hard to diagnose with any certainty. Widely accepted concepts regarding the infection are based on data that are far from conclusive. Published recommendations for diagnosis and treatment often reflect a concentrated effort to consolidate these data. According to the authors of this article, initial empirical treatment may be defined by dividing patients into specific host groups. However, this approach should always be supplemented by earnest attempts at identifying the cause with microbial cultures.
Broughton
W A
WA
University of South Alabama/Knollwood Park Hospital, Mobile, 36693-3320, USA. JBroughton71054.2530@Cserve.com.
Foner
B J
BJ
Bass
J B
JB
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents