Abstract

RABELLO, Lígia Sarmet Cunha Farah et al. Novel biomarkers in severe community-acquired pneumonia. Rev. bras. ter. intensiva [online]. 2011, vol.23, n.4, pp. 499-506. ISSN 0103-507X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-507X2011000400016.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common infectious disease requiring admission to intensive care units (ICUs), and achieving an early and precise diagnosis of CAP remains a challenge. Biomarkers play an important role in improving clinical judgment in the emergency room and are adjuvant in evaluating treatment responses. Novel biomarkers, such as cortisol, pro-adrenomedullin and endothelin-1, have been shown to be associated with disease severity and short-term outcomes. This review article focuses on the clinical use of novel biomarkers, severity prediction and treatment monitoring as well as future directions of the field.

Keywords : Biological makers; Pneumonia; drug therapy; Community-acquired infections; drug therapy; Community-acquired infections; prevention & control.