1.Diagnostic accuracy of pneumonia in Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, a tertiary hospital
Poh Kok Wei ; Cheok Lay Hock ; Liow Jyue Hong ; Mohd Azlan bin Mat Soom ; Azlina binti Samsudin ; Nadiah binti Mohd Noor ; Gun Suk Chyn
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2020;75(1):7-11
Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to
describe the accuracy of pneumonia diagnosis, both
community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospitalacquired pneumonia (HAP). Secondary objectives were
describing the choice of antibiotics used, pathogens
isolated, and predictive parameters in diagnosing
pneumonia.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study to
determine the accuracy of the diagnosis of CAP and HAP
admitted to Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar. All patients aged ≥12
years admitted to the general medical ward with the
diagnosis of CAP or HAP were included in the study. Chest
radiograph interpretation was done by certified radiologists.
An accurate diagnosis of pneumonia was defined by clinical
signs and symptoms of pneumonia supported by
radiographical evidence.
Results: A total of 159 patients were enrolled into the study
from January 2018 to February 2018. Of these only 59(37.1%)
cases were accurately diagnosed as pneumonia. Amongst
those with pneumonia diagnosis made by the emergency
department, medical officers and specialists of medical
department; 65.4%, 60% and 47.3% respectively were not
pneumonia. Amoxicillin with clavulanate and azithromycin
were amongst the most common first choice of antibiotic
used (46.5%). In this study, pathogens were isolated either
by blood culture or sputum culture in only 20 (12.6%)
patients. There was no significant predictive parameter
identified in this study, which included white cell counts, Creactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR), and Pao2/FiO2 ratio.
Conclusion: About two-thirds of patients diagnosed with
pneumonia did not have a compatible radiological finding.
Better tools and systems are needed to aid in the diagnosis
of pneumonia