A study from Switzerland says that a simple blood test can determine if a patient needs antibiotics. The study analyzed 1,400 patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) who came to emergency rooms requiring antibiotics.
The team randomly assigned these patients to receive antibiotics as per a procalcitonin or PCT test or started treatment based on standard guidelines. The test was provided by BRAHMS Inc., which manufactures it.
Pneumonia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. It causes inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. It causes inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs.
"It certainly holds a lot of promise," said Dr. Donald M. Yealy, co-author of an editorial accompanying the study. "We need a way to make a better determination of need."
The details of the study appear in the September 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hib Vaccine - Types, Dosage Schedule, Contraindications and Side Effects
The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.
The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.
RAS
Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
Lung Biopsy - Indications - Procedures - Risks - FAQs - Reference
The procedure by which tissue samples are obtained from the lung is known as lung biopsy. The biopsy tissues obtained from the lungs are examined by a pathologist.
The procedure by which tissue samples are obtained from the lung is known as lung biopsy. The biopsy tissues obtained from the lungs are examined by a pathologist.
