Published Paper Details:

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disorder that is potentially life threatening, especially in older adults and those with comorbid disease. Community-acquired pneumonia is defined as pneumonia that is acquired outside the hospital. The most commonly identified pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, atypical bacteria (i.e., Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species), and viruses. The predominant pathogen in CAP is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), which accounts for about two-thirds of all cases of bacteraemic pneumonia. Use of corticosteroids was associated with an increase of 70% in the rate of hospital admission for pneumonia. The admission rate was greatest with the highest doses of corticosteroids used, and a reduction in risk once corticosteroids were stopped was observed. Thus, the use of corticosteroids for pneumonia should be carefully considered and prescribed by a healthcare professional.