emDocs - November 7, 2018 - Author: Ramzy M - Edited by: Koyfman A and Long B
"Pearls:
- Obtain sputum cultures in hospitalized or septic patients to better focus antibiotic therapy.
- Clindamycin is the first line antibiotic of choice; transition from IV to PO when appropriate.
Pitfalls:
- Blood cultures are rarely positive in anaerobic lung abscesses.
- Consider admission and IV antibiotics rather than discharging patients with poor outpatient follow-up or those who may be non-compliant with antibiotics."