The efficacy of de-escalation therapy in nosocomial pneumonia

Abstract

Recently a new therapeutical approach was imposed in the treatment of severe infections in ICU units, the so called de-escalation therapy. This provides an initial broad-spectrum antibiotherapy until the microbiological results are available and subsequent reduction of the antibacterial spectrum on the basis of microbiologic data to cover more precisely the causative pathogen.
In this study we made a short evaluation of the benefits of de-escalation therapy in our experience over the last year, in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia. In 21 patients with nosocomial pneumonia the application of this therapy was followed by a mortality rate of 28%, less than that observed one year before, before the de-escalation therapy was applied.

Key words: nosocomial pneumonia, antibiotics

Jurnalul Român de Anestezie Terapie intensivă 2002 Vol.9 Nr.1, 31-34

Utilitatea terapiei de de-escaladare în pneumoniile nozocomiale