Biomarkers Lack Utility in Diagnosing Community Acquired Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose, as the sensitivity of chest x-ray varies (40%–90%) and even in the presence of radiographic or clinical pneumonia, differentiating bacterial from viral disease may be challenging. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin have been suggested as adjuncts for the diagnosis of pneumonia, although recent guidelines recommend against their use (NEJM JW Infect Dis Dec 2019 and Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 200:e45).

To determine the accuracy of biomarkers, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining leukocytosis, CRP, and procalcitonin in outpatients or emergency department (ED) patients with radiographic pneumonia. They identified 14 studies with a …