Principles of Critical Care > Part V. Infectious Disorders > Chapter 51. Pneumonia R. Bruce Light

Key Points

"Pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death in the developed world. It is also the most frequent infection leading to admission to most intensive care units (ICUs) and by far the most important nosocomial infection complicating the treatment of patients admitted to ICUs for other problems. Roughly 5% to 10% of patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) require ICU admission, with a mortality rate of 30% to 50%.^1–3 Pneumonia is also the most important nosocomial infection leading to ICU admission and a frequent complication of treatment in an ICU, occurring in 5% to 50% of patients requiring mechanical ventilation.⁴ A systematic approach and an aggressive attitude toward diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia therefore are fundamental to good critical care practice...."