Health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a distinct entity
HCAP includes any patient with pneumonia and 1 or more of the following:
hospitalization for 2 or more days in an acute care facility within the preceeding 90 days
nursing home patients
patients of long-term care facilities
patients who attend a hospital or hemodialysis clinic
patients who received IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, or wound care within 30 days of infection
Data indicate that the mortality for HCAP is higher than CAP
The most common organisms in HCAP include S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus species, and Escherichia species
An initial recommended antibiotic regimen includes a combination of an antipseudomonal cephalosporin plus a fluoroquinolone plus an agent active against MRSA
References
Abrahamian FM, DeBlieux PM, Emerman CL, et al. Health care-associated pneumonia: identification and initial management in the ED. Am J Emerg Med 2008;26:1-11.
