International guidelines on tackling community-acquired pneumonia show major discrepancies between developed and developing countries

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica Vol. 102; no. s465; pp. 4 - 16
• Main Authors: Berti, Elettra, Galli, Luisa, de Martino, Maurizio, Chiappini, Elena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norway Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2013; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; CAP; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Community-Acquired Infections - diagnosis; Community-Acquired Infections - therapy; Community-acquired pneumonia; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Diagnosis; Hospitalization; Humans; Infant; LDCs; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Paediatric guidelines; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Bacterial - classification; Pneumonia, Bacterial - diagnosis; Pneumonia, Bacterial - therapy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Radiography; Severity of Illness Index; CAP; Children; Community-acquired pneumonia; Diagnosis; Paediatric guidelines
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.12501

Aim The goal of this study was to compare the current guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of paediatric community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in developing and developed countries. Methods A literature search was performed consulting the Medline, Embase, Current Contents, National Guideline Clearinghouse and Cochrane database, from January 2000 to March 2013. Results Twelve guidelines were selected: six from developed countries and six from developing countries. Major discrepancies between the diagnosis and treatment approaches recommended by guidelines covering developing and developed countries were revealed. The search also highlighted differences between recommendations issued in similar settings. Conclusion The guidelines show wide variations and weak recommendations and further research is needed to improve clinical outcomes and make better use of resources.