PulmCrit (EMCrit)
PulmCrit (EMCrit) - July 18, 2016 - By Josh Farkas
- "Current guidelines regarding MRSA coverage are contradictory, leading to confusion. The concept of healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) doesn’t help matters.
- Four newer tests may help determine if patients have MRSA PNA:
- (1) The Shorr Score is a MRSA risk-stratification tool, which was empirically derived and validated.
- (2) Nares PCR is ~90% sensitive for detecting MRSA pneumonia.
- (3) Throat culture for MRSA may be used as a surrogate for sputum culture in patients who cannot expectorate.
- (4) Procalcitonin should be elevated in patients with MRSA pneumonia.
- These tests may be arranged to create an evidence-based algorithm:
