Variability in Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultants' Recommendations for Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Author Information
Author(s): Hersh Adam L., Shapiro Daniel J., Newland Jason G., Polgreen Philip M., Beekmann Susan E., Shah Samir S.
Primary Institution: University of Utah
Hypothesis
What is the variation in clinical management recommendations for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia by infectious disease consultants?
Conclusion
There is substantial variability in recommendations for managing community-acquired pneumonia among pediatric infectious disease consultants.
Supporting Evidence
- 148 pediatric infectious disease consultants responded to the survey.
- 55% recommended beta-lactams alone for uncomplicated pneumonia.
- 90% recommended an anti-MRSA agent for parapneumonic empyema.
Takeaway
Doctors have different ideas about how to treat kids with pneumonia, and this can lead to confusion about the best medicine to use.
Methodology
A survey of pediatric infectious disease consultants regarding their antibiotic recommendations for hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia.
Potential Biases
Responses may be influenced by personal or institutional practices rather than objective data.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported practices, which may not reflect actual prescribing behaviors.
Participant Demographics
Pediatric infectious disease consultants from 259 institutions across North America.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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