[Usefulness of acute-phase proteins in community-acquired pneumonia].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to study the usefulness of acute-phase proteins in the evolution and microbial diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).


METHODS
One-year prospective study of CAP. Plasma levels of C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen were measured on admission in all patients with CAP.


RESULTS
240 cases of CAP were included in the study. ESR was higher in patients who developed pleural effusion (p = 0.03). A value of ESR > 120 mm/h was associated with a higher likelihood of having a CAP complicated with pleural effusion (odds ratio = 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-10.49, p = 0.006). Baseline concentrations of CRP, ESR and fibrinogen were higher in patients who developed empyema. CRP and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia, while pneumococcal pneumonia was associated with a higher ESR value.


CONCLUSIONS
Some frequently used acute-phase proteins can be useful in the prediction of pleural complications and in the approach to the etiological diagnosis of CAP.
Mirete
Carlos
C
Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain. mirete_car@gva.es
Gutiérrez
Félix
F
Masiá
Mar
M
Ramos
José Manuel
JM
Hernández
Ildefonso
I
Soldán
Bernardo
B
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein