Point-of-Care Multiplex for Adult Patients With Severe Community-acquired Pneumonia

Clinical Impact on Point-of-Care Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing for Critically Ill Adult Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia

Clinical Impact on Point-of-Care Multiplex PCR Testing for Critically Ill Adult Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia - A cluster randomization study in ICU units within one medical center.

Point-of-Care Multiplex PCR Testing could narrow down the pathogens causing severe community-acquired pneumonia(CAP). Our hypothesis is that the result of Point-of-Care Multiplex PCR Testing could help primary physician to reduce antibiotics use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (age >20 y/o)
• ICU admission for acute respiratory failure due to community-acquired pneumonia by clinical diagnosis
• Treatment with endotracheal Intubation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aspiration pneumonia (including witnessed aspiration and chronic bedridden status)
• Nosocomial infection