title: [Clinical assessment cannot predict if children are infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae].
abstract: This meta-analysis was carried out to detect if clinical signs can predict infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children. The only significant finding was that absence of wheezing was associated with M. pneumoniae-infection. The analysis does not justify changes in the recommendation regarding treatment of pneumonia in children. Empiric therapy with macrolides can only be recommended if the patient does not tolerate betalactam.
authors.affiliation: Pædiatrisk Afdeling, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød. kimk@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.forename: Ulrikka
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nygaard
authors.forename: Cristel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sørensen
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods*