Breakpoints

#120 – What’s Pneu in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Aug 22, 2025
Guest
Whitney Hartlage
Guest
Sam Windham
Dr. Sam Windham, an Assistant Professor and infectious diseases expert, teams up with Whitney Hartlage, an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist, to delve into community-acquired pneumonia. They discuss the role of rapid diagnostic tests and the nuanced use of corticosteroids, challenging traditional treatment norms. The duo also examines the implications of PCR tests versus sputum cultures, and the importance of tailoring antibiotic therapies as resistance grows. Their insights highlight the evolving landscape of pneumonia management, stressing patient-centered approaches.
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INSIGHT

Limitations Of Multiplex PCR Panels

  • Multiplex respiratory PCRs don't reliably distinguish infection from colonization and shouldn't replace clinical evaluation.
  • They may help start or narrow antibiotics faster but lack quantitative context for definitive action.
ADVICE

Confirm Panel And Sample Before Ordering

  • Know which PCR panel your lab offers and which sample to collect before ordering.
  • Confirm turnaround time to ensure results can influence early antibiotic decisions.
INSIGHT

Time Sensitivity In CAP Is Lower Than Sepsis

  • Rapid PCRs may not change mortality because time-to-appropriate-antibiotic windows for CAP are broader than in sepsis.
  • Urgency thresholds for CAP often allow hours to days without clear harm from short delays.
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