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  • Symptoms and signs plus erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein predicted pneumonia in lower respiratory tract infection

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Diagnosis
Symptoms and signs plus erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein predicted pneumonia in lower respiratory tract infection

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.9.2.55

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    Hopstaken RM, Muris JW, Knottnerus JA, et al. Contributions of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein to a diagnosis of pneumonia in acute lower respiratory tract infection. Br J Gen Pract 2003;53:358–64.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text

    
 
 Q In adults with a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), which symptoms, signs, and tests best inform the diagnosis of pneumonia?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ Emergency medicine ★★★★★☆☆ Internal medicine ★★★★☆☆☆ Respirology ★★★★☆☆☆ Infectious disease ★★★★☆☆☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageDesign:

    blinded comparison of chest radiographs with general practitioner (GP) assessed diagnosis.

    Embedded ImageSetting:

    15 general practices (25 GPs) in the Netherlands.

    Embedded ImagePatients:

    246 patients aged ⩾18 years (mean age 52 y) presenting to a GP with an LRTI. Exclusion criteria included severe clinical disease, recent antibiotic treatment, or hospital admission for respiratory disease.

    Embedded ImageDescription of tests:

    the clinical status of patients (classified as either pneumonia or other LRTI) was based on clinical symptoms and signs, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) blood tests.

    Embedded ImageDiagnostic standard:

    chest radiography (lateral and postero anterior) was used as the diagnostic standard for identifying pneumonia.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    diagnostic characteristics for the performances of the …

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