The Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis,

Empiric Management and Prevention of Community-Acquired

Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Adults: A Quick Reference
Guide for Clinicians

Report of the Task Force on Community-acquired Pneumonia 1998

(*Editors note: The summaries of evidence were omitted for this quick reference. The summaries of evidences are in
the complete guideline pamphlet available at the PSMID office.)

INTRODUCTION

Pneumonia is the fourth leading cause of morbidity and the third leading cause of mortality in Filipinos based
on the 1994 Philippines Health Statistics. This clinical practice guideline on community-acquired immunocompetent
adults has been drafted to provide the clinician with practical approaches in the resolution of important issues on the
diagnosis, management, and prevention of CAP in adult patients. This consensus is a collaborative undertaking of
various medical specialty societies concerned with the care of patients with CAP such as the Philippine Society for
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), American College of
Chest Physicians Philippines Chapter (ACCP-PC), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Department of
Health (DOH), Philippine College of Radiology (PCR), and the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine and Acute
Care (PCEMAC). Inputs from other stakeholders and end-users were also taken into account through discussions and
supplemented by questionnaires using the modified Delphi technique.
The recommendations have been based on evidence derived from a critical review of the literature. A
systematic search of the literature using computer-based search strategies was first undertaken and relevant articles,
including local data, when available, were selected. A Medline search of the medical literature was conducted using
combinations of query terms which included community-acquired pneumonia, signs, symptoms, chest radiography,
microbiology, sputum Grams stain and culture, diagnosis, hospitalization, risk factors, treatment, mortality, outcome,
prognosis, prevention, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
Medical specialists in the field of infectious disease, pulmonary, family medicine, and general practitioners
involved in the care of CAP on the outpatient and hospital settings are the targeted physicians. [Phil J Microbiol Infect
Dis 2002; 31(2):74-84]

Key Words: Community acquired pneumonia, guideline

1. Which patient has community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Pneumonia is a lower respiratory track infection presenting 24 hours to less than 2 weeks
which when acquired in the community is referred to as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
A patient with cough who has abnormal vital signs of tachypnea (RR >20/min.), tachycardia (CR
> 100/minute), and fever (T > 37.8
o
C) ) with at least one abnormal chest finding of diminished
breath sounds, rhonchi, crackles or wheezes probably has pneumonia. However, these clinical
findings are not sufficiently accurate in diagnosing pneumonia. A radiographic chest examination
showing new infiltrates that has no clear alternative cause such as lung cancer or pulmonary
edema is required to confirm the diagnosis (Grade A). In situations where chest radiography may
not be available, clinical prediction rules may be utilized to help physicians identify patients who
may have pneumonia [(Grade B) Table 1].

2. What other information can be derived from the chest x-ray?

In addition to confirming the diagnosis of pneumonia, an initial chest radiographic
examination is essential in assessing the severity of disease, presence of complication, and for
prognostication. Finding of bilateral or multilobar involvement, progression of infiltrates within
24 hours, pleural effusion, and lung abscess are suggestive of severe disease, poor prognosis and
indicate the need for hospital admission (Table 2).
Table 1. Accuracy of predicting pneumonia by physicians clinical judgment, Heckerling et al. Score, and
Gennis et al. Rule


Decision basis
Physicians
clinical judgement
Heckerling et al Score
(threshold was 2 points)
Gennis et al Rule
(threshold was 1 point)
Variables History
Physical findings
Temperature > 37.8
o
C
Pulse > 100/min
Rales
Decreased breath sounds
Absence of asthma
Temperature > 37.8
o
C
Pulse > 100/min
Respiration > 20/min
Accuracy in predicting pneumonia 60% 68% 76%

Table 2. Chest radiographic findings which may predict a complicated course

Chest radiographic findings Odds ratio 95% C.I.
Multilobar radiographic pulmonary infiltrate

3.1 1.9 - 5.1
Bilateral pleural effusion

2.8 1.4 - 5.8

Chest radiography may also suggest possible etiologies and help in differentiating
pneumonia from other conditions that may mimic it (Grade A).

3. What microbiologic studies are necessary in CAP?

The establishment of an etiologic agent is ideal as a diagnostic standard. However,
despite adequate studies using good microbiologic techniques, an identifiable pathogen is found
in only 40-50% of cases of CAP. Sputum gram stain and culture is therefore not recommended
for routine use particularly in patients who do not require hospitalization where the etiology is
predictable (Grade B).
However, for hospitalized patients with severe disease, there are more pathogens to
consider. In these patients, blood cultures at least on 2 separate samplings, are highly
recommended. Although of low sensitivity, a positive blood culture is specific and is considered
as the gold standard in the etiologic diagnosis of pneumonia. Gram stain and cultures of
appropriate pulmonary secretions in addition to a blood culture should be part of the initial work-
up of patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia. When available, antigen detection for
Legionella particularly for elderly patients is also recommended (Grade A).
Invasive procedures such as transtracheal aspirate, lung tap, bronchoalveolar lavage, and
protected specimen brush to obtain respiratory secretions for microbiologic studies are reserved
for non-resolving pneumonia, immunocompromised patients or when anaerobic disease is
considered (Grade B).

4. Which patient will need hospital admission?

The physician's decision to hospitalize a patient or not can be guided by a number of
prognostic indicators for a complicated course and mortality (Table 3). On the basis of several
prognostic factors, patients with CAP can be classified into four risk categories to help determine
the need for hospitalization (Algorithm). The category of CAP at initial assessment may change
during the course of treatment and alter the physician's initial decision.
Adult patients with CAP who are < 65 years of age with stable vital signs (RR < 30
breaths/ minute, diastolic blood pressure 60 mmHg and systolic blood pressure 90 mmHg,
pulse < 125 beats/minute, and temperature < 40
o
C) and no co-morbid condition are associated
with low morbidity and mortality rate of < 1% and are thus categorized as Minimal Risk CAP (I).
They are considered suitable for outpatient care (Grade A).

Table 3. Independent predictors of complicated course in patients with CAP

Predictor Odds ratio 95% Confidence Interval
Age > 65 Years 2.7 1.4 - 4.1
Co-morbid illness 3.2 1.4 - 7.5
Temperature > 38C 4.1 1.8 - 9.2
Immunosuppressive therapy* 12 1.1 - 132.9
High-risk etiology 23.3 2.7 - 200.7
*Recent systemic steroid use or cancer chemotherapy



Those patients with stable (controlled DM, neoplastic disease in remission, stable
neurologic disease, class 1 CHF, compensated COPD and chronic liver disease, and renal failure
not on dialysis) co-morbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM), neoplastic disease,
neurologic disease, congestive heart failure, immunosuppressive therapy (Grade A), renal
insufficiency (Grade B), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic liver disease, or
chronic alcohol abuse (Grade C), are associated with mortality rate of < 5% and are thus
categorized as Low Risk CAP (II). They may he treated as outpatients if there is a reasonable
assurance for follow-up (Grade C). However, they should he considered for hospitalization in the
event that the co-morbid condition is aggravated by or aggravating the pneumonia (Grade A).
Patients with CAP who are > 65 years shall be hospitalized regardless of clinical condition
(Grade A). Patients, regardless of age, with any one of the following physical findings: RR > 30
breaths/ minute, pulse rate of >125 beats/minute, or temperature 35
o
C or 40
o
C; those with
radio-graphic findings of bilateral or multi-lobar involvement, progress-ion of lesion to 50% of
initial finding within 24 hours, pleural effusion, abscess; those with suspected aspiration; and
those with extrapulmonary evidence of sepsis are associated with a complicated outcome and
higher mortality rate of ~ 21% and are thus categorized as Moderate Risk CAP (III). These
patients need to he hospitalized for parenteral therapy (Grade A).
Patients with impending or frank respiratory failure (i.e., hypoxemia with PaCO
2
, < 60
mmHg or acute hypercapnea with PaCO
2
> 50 mmHg) or hemodynamic alterations and
hypoperfusion (i.e., altered mental state, DBP < 60 mmHg or SBP < 90 mmHg, or urine output <
30 ml/hour), are associated with mortality rate of ~ 36.5% (Table 4) thus categorized as High
Risk CAP (IV), warranting admission in the intensive care unit (Grade A).

Table 4. Physical and laboratory findings which may predict mortality in CAP

Physical findings Odds ratio 95% Confidence Interval
Altered mental state 2.3 1.6 3.3
RR breaths/min

3.16 1.07 9.3
DBP < 60 mmHg 3.67 1.23 10.9
SBP 100 mmHg

4.8 2.8 8.3
Laboratory findings
Bacteremia 2.8 2.3 3.6
BUN > 7 mmol/L 5.2 2.4 10.9
WBC < 4 or > 30x10
9
/L or ANC* < 1x10
9
/L 2.5 1.6 3.7
*Absolute neutrophil count

5. What initial antibiotics are recommended for the empiric treatment of pneumonia?

Empiric antibiotic therapy is based on the likely etiology of the pneumonia (Table 5). In
young adult patients with mild to moderate pneumonia who are treated as outpatient, S.
pneumoniae and H. influenzae are the predominant etiologic agents responsible for more than half
of cases where a pathogen is identified. Amoxicillin is considered to be the standard regimen for
outpatient care. In addition, atypical pathogens including M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae
have been demonstrated. Alternative regimens are extended macrolides (clarithromycin) or
azalides or cotrimoxazole in areas of limited resources (Grade A).
In patients with co-morbid illness, in addition to the above potential pathogens, Gram-
negative bacilli have to be considered. For such patients, cotrimoxazole or beta-lactams, which
have efficacy against these additional pathogens, are recommended. For out-patient care, orally
administered drugs are ideal and these include co-amoxiclav or sultamicillin or the second-
generation oral cephalosporins (Grade A).
In elderly patients and those with severe disease, S. pneumoniae and Legionella sp. are
important etiologic considerations as well as gram-negative bacilli including anaerobes when the
risk of aspiration is great. A parenteral beta-lactam with anaerobic coverage is recommended
including co-amoxiclav or ampicillin/sulbactam or cefoxitin or ceftizoxime. Other 2
nd
generation
cephalosporins (cefamandole, cefuroxime, or cefotiam) or ceftriaxone or cefotaxime may be
used if aspiration is not likely (Grade A). Parenteral therapy with erythromycin or alternatively,
oral macrolides may be given if Legionella is suspected.

Table 5. Potential pathogens and empiric antimicrobial therapy

Minimal Risk CAP
(I)
Low Risk CAP
(II)
Moderate Risk CAP
(III)
High Risk CAP
(IV)
Potential Pathogens S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
C. pneumoniae
M. pneumoniae
S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
C. pneumoniae
M. pneumoniae
M. catarrhalis
Gram-negative
bacilli (enteric)

S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
Legionella
C. pneumoniae
M. pneumoniae
Gram-negative
bacilli
Anaerobes
S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
Legionella
C. pneumoniae
M pneumoniae
S. aureus
Gram-negative bacilli
P. aeruginosa

Empiric therapy Amoxicillin
Or
extended
macrolide
Or
Cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole
Or
Co-amoxiclav
Or
Sultamicillin
Or
2nd gen. oral
cephalosporins
Or
extended
macrolide
IV beta-lactams
with/without
anaerobic coverage
+/-
Erythromycin IV*
or
levofloxacin alone
anti-pseudomonal
beta-lactams
+/-
aminoglycoside
or
Ciprofloxacin
+
Erythromycin IV

In those with severe disease with evidence of septic shock and/or respiratory failure, broad-
spectrum coverage to include P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, pending results of bacteriologic
studies, is recommended as these pathogens are associated with increased mortality. The
recommended agents include beta-lactams with antipseudomonal activity such as ceftazidime,
cefoperazone, carbapenems (imipenem or meropenem) or piperacillin-tazobactam or 4
th

generation cephalosporins (cefepime or cefpirome) with or without aminoglycosides, in
combination with empiric parenteral erythromycin if Legionella is strongly suspected (Grade A).
Alternative therapy for Legionella includes IV azithromycin, IV levofloxacin or IV cipro-
floxacin based on in-vitro and animal studies; no RCTs are available (Grade C). If clinically
suspected, specific anti-staphylococcal agents such as oxacillin may be given in cases of lung
abscesses, pneumatocoele and pneumothorax. Antianaerobic coverage with clindamycin or
metronidazole is recommended in cases of aspiration, depressed sensorium or seizure episodes
(Grade). Some beta-lactams such as carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam provide broad-
spectrum coverage including staphylococcus and anaerobes. The recommended dosages of these
antibiotics in adults weighing 50-60 kg, with normal renal and liver function are shown in Table
6.
The recommended empiric initial antibiotic therapy should subsequently be modified
based on the isolated pathogen (Table 7). If microbiologic data is available, the revised treatment
should be pathogen-directed based on antimicrobial susceptibility test (Table 8).

6. How do we assess response to initial therapy?

Most patients with uncomplicated bacterial pneumonia will respond to treatment within
at least 24-72 hours and patients should be reassessed after 72 hours of initiating therapy. A
patient is considered to have responded to treatment if fever declines within 72 hours,
temperature normalizes within 5 days, and respiratory signs, particularly tachypnea, return to
normal.
A follow up chest x-ray is not necessary to confirm that the infiltrate has cleared for
patients with minimal risk and low risk CAP since the lesions may persist for weeks and findings
will not influence the management In hospitalized patients, streamlining initial empiric broad
spectrum parenteral therapy to a single narrow spectrum parenteral agent or an oral agent, based
on available laboratory data, is recommended as early as 72 hours. Switch therapy to an oral
agent if there is less cough and resolution of respiratory distress, if patient is afebrile for more
than 24 hours, if the etiology is not a high risk (virulent/resistant) pathogen, if there is no unstable
co-morbid condition or life-threatening complication such as MI, CHF, complete heart block,
new atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, etc., if there is no obvious reason for
continued hospitalization such as hypotension, acute mental changes, BUN: Creatinine of >10:1,
hypoxemia, metabolic acidosis, etc., will allow discharge from hospital as early as the 4th day of
hospitalization and will lead to cost-savings (Table 9). Oral agents with good bioavailability, with
a spectrum of activity approximating parenteral agents are shown in Table 10.

Table 6. Usual recommended dosages of antibiotics in adults, 50-60 kg body weight, with normal liver and renal
function

Antibiotic Dosage Antibiotic Dosage
Minimal Risk CAP
Amoxicillin PO 250 500 mg TID Dirithromycin PO 500 mg OD
Azithromycin PO 500 mg OD x 3 days Roxithromycin PO 150 mg BID
Clarithromycin PO 250-500 mg BID Cotrimoxazole PO 160/800 mg BID
Low Risk CAP
Cotrimoxazole PO 160/800 mg BID Cefuroxime PO 250-500 mg BID
Co-amoxiclav PO 625 mg 1 g BID Cefaclor PO 250-500 mg TID
Sultamicillin PO 375 750 mg BID Cefprozil PO 5 00 mg BID
Moderate Risk CAP
Erythromycin IV 1 g q 6 h Cefotiam IV 0.5 1 g q 6-12 h
Co-amoxiclav IV 1.2 g q 8 h Cefuroxime IV 0.75 1.5 g q 8 h
Sulbactam/Amp IV 0.75 1.5 g q 8 h Ceftizoxime IV 1 g q 12 h
Cefamandole IV 0.5 2.0 g q 8-12 h Cefoxitin IV 1-2 g q 8 h
Cefotaxime IV 0.5 2.0 g q 8-12 h Ceftriaxone IV 1-2 g q 12 h
Levofloxacin IV 0.5 g OD
High Risk CAP
Erythromycin IV 1 g q 6 h Cefepime IV 1 2 g q 12 h
Ciprofloxacin IV 200-400 mg q 12 h Cefpirome IV 1 g q 12 h
Cefoperazone IV 1 2 g q 6-12 h Amikacin IV 15 mg/kg/24 h
Ceftazidime IV 1 2 g q 8 h Netilmycin IV 7 mg/kg/24 h
Imipenem IV 500 mg q 6 h Oxacillin IV 0.5 2 g q 4-6 h
Meropenem IV 1 g q 8 h Clindamycin IV 300 600 mg q 6-8 h
Pip/Tazobactam IV 2.25-4.5 g q 6-8 h Metronidazole IV 500 mg q 8 h

Table 7. Rank order of etiologic agents of community-acquired pneumonia

Countries #1 #2 #3 #4 #5
Phil S. pneumoniae M. tuberculosis Chlamydia spp L. pneumophilia M. pneumoniae
Denmark S. pneumoniae H. influenzae M. pneumoniae L. pneumophilia Chlamydia spp
Spain S. pneumoniae H. influenzae G (-) bacilli L. pneumophilia M. pneumoniae
Spain Coxiella burnetti M. pneumoniae S. pneumoniae G (-) bacilli L. pneumophilia
France S. pneumoniae H. influenzae G (-) bacilli S. aureus L. pneumophilia
Australia

S. pneumoniae Viruses H. influenzae G (-) bacilli M. pneumoniae
USA

S. pneumoniae H. influenzae L. pneumophilia Chlamydia spp G (-) bacilli
Spain S. pneumoniae L. pneumophilia H. influenzae K. pneumoniae S. marcescens
Phil Non-grp. B H.
influenzae
L. pneumophilia S. pneumoniae H. influenzae K. pneumoniae
Canada S. pneumoniae C. psitacci M. pneumoniae Influenza A Coxiella burnetti

Based on etiology, the duration of treatment is 5-7 days for bacterial pneumonia, except
for enteric gram-negative pathogens, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, where treatment should be
prolonged to 10-14 days, 10-14 days for Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, and 14-21 days for
Legionella. A 3-day course of oral therapy for minimal and low risk CAP is possible with new
agents such as the azalides which possess pharmacodynamic characteristics prolonging their
duration of effect (Table 11).

Table 8. Resistance rates of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae isolated from Filipino patients with community-
acquired pneumonia

S. pneumoniae H. influenzae
No. of cases (n) 209 47 43 42 55 93
Penicillin G 0.5 2 6.9 - - -
Ampicillin - - - 2.4 0 3.3
Cotrimoxazole 1.0 0 3 0 0 5
Chloramphenicol 0.5 0 4.8 0 0 4.3
Tetracycline - 0 9.5 0 0 13.9
Erythromycin - 0 - 98 - -
Azithromycin 7.7 - 2.7 - - -
Ceftriaxone 0 - - - - -

Table 9. Streamlining of empirical antibiotic therapy

A switch of oral antibiotic therapy is possible after 72 hours following initiation of empirical treatment. This will
shorten hospital stay as they could be discharged after the 4th hospital day and lead to cost-savings if:
1. There is less cough and resolution of respiratory distress (normalization of RR).
2. The patient is afebrile for > 24 hours.
3. The etiology is not a high-risk (virulent/resistant) pathogen.
4. There is no unstable co-morbid condition or life-threatening complication such as MI, CHF, complete heart block,
new atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, etc.
5. There is no obvious reason for continued hospitalization such as hypotension, acute mental changes, BUN:CR of
> 10: 1, hypoxemia, metabolic acidosis, etc.

Table 10. Oral agents with good bioavailability and convenient dosing schedule for switch therapy

Second and third generation cephalosporins:
Cefuroxime axetil, Cefaclor, Cefprozil, Cefixime, Cefdinir, Cefetamet Ceftibuten
New macrolides:
Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Dirithromycin
Fluoroquinolones
Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin

Table 11. Duration of antibiotic use based on etiology

Etiologic Agent Duration of therapy (days)
Most bacterial pneumonia except enteric gram (-) pathogens,
S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa
5 7
3 (Azalides)
Enteric gram (-) pathogens, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa 10 - 14
Mycoplasma and Chlamydia 10 - 14
Legionella 14 - 21

In patients initially seen after antibiotic therapy has already been initiated, if the choice is
among the recommended options and the dosage is correct and the patient has not improved after
72 hours, change the antibiotic. If the dosage of the antibiotic is inadequate, correct the dosage
and continue the drug.
If there is no response to treatment, reassess the patient clinically, radiologically, and
bacteriological. Assess the patient for possible co-infection in other sites. A follow-up chest x-
ray in these patients is useful to determine possible complications of progress-ion of disease,
pleural effusion, empyema, pneumothorax, cavitation, and extension to previously uninvolved
lobes, pulmonary edema or ARDS. Assess bacteriologic studies to determine resistance to the
antibiotic being given or the presence of other pathogens such as M. tuberculosis or fungi, and
revise treatment accordingly. In the elderly, S. pneumoniae and L. pneumophilia may be causes of
slowly resolving pneumonia.
Severe disease warrants close clinical and hemodynamic monitoring to determine the
need for specialized ventilatory support. These patients may require modification of therapy
based on available bacteriologic data or longer treatment based on clinical parameters (Grade A).

7. How do we prevent pneumonia?

The prevention of pneumonia with the use of vaccine should be particularly effective in
those at greatest risk of pneumonia for the strategy to the cost-effective. The 23-valent
pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for any of the following high risk patients: a) persons
>65 years (Grade B); b) persons with increased risk of pneumococcal disease or its complication
due to chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease (Grade A), COPD (Grade A), diabetes
mellitus (Grade B), alcoholism (Grade A), chronic liver disease (Grade C); c) patients with
functional or anatomic asplenia (Grade C); d) persons living in environments in which the risk for
invasive pneumococcal disease or its complications is increased, such as nursing homes and
chronic care facilities (Grade A); and e) immunocompromised persons (Grade A) who are at high
risk for pneumococcal infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Georgia) recommends more extensive
use of the pneumococcal vaccine among high-risk groups. The 23-valent form contains the
capsular polysaccharides of 23 pneumococcal serotypes, which account for about 90% of
pneumococcal infectious in the US.


In the Philippines, surveillance data of invasive isolates of S. pneumoniae among children
with bacterial meningitis showed that 92% were vaccine types. The pneumococcal vaccine may
he useful despite the lack of data on important serotypes among Filipino adults, but the
applicability of evidence from foreign published literature needs to he studied further.
The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of pneumonia in high-risk persons during an
influenza epide-mic if the vaccine strain is identical or similar to the epidemic strain. Influenza
vaccination may be given annually to any of the following: a) persons > 65 years (Grade B), b)
residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities that house persons who have chronic
medical conditions, c) persons with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders, and d)
patients who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year
because of chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or
immunosuppression (Grade C).
The ACIP suggests that yearly vaccination of high-risk persons before the influenza
season is the most effective strategy for reducing the impact of influenza. The virus strains
selected for each year's vaccine are based on the antigenic characteristics of circulating strains.
The vaccine, which is offered to target groups from September to November, contains three virus
strains representing the strains that are likely to circulate in the upcoming winter.
In the Philippines, influenza is characterized by several epidemics each year, with two
main peaks. A large peak occurs during the rainy season from June to September, particularly
from July to August. A smaller peak is noted during the months of December to January. Because
of the lack of local data on prevailing strains and the more disseminated pattern of influenza, it is
difficult to assess the potential impact of the influenza vaccine among high risk Filipino patients.
There is no data from the published literature on the use of lyophilized bacterial lysate or
bronchovaxom in the prevention of pneumonia.

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APPENDICES

Appendix I

Grading System for Recommendations:

Categories reflecting the strength of recommendation

GRADE DEFINITION
A Good evidence to support a recommendation for use
B Moderate evidence to support a recommendation for use
C Poor evidence to support a recommendation against use
D Moderate evidence to support a recommendation against use
E Good evidence to support a recommendation against use

Appendix II

Quality Filters in assessing the evidence from the literature

1. Studies on effectiveness of treatment and accuracy of diagnostic test

a. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) that demonstrates a statistically significant difference in at least one major
outcome variable: survival or death OR if the difference is not statistically significant, an RCT of adequate
sample size to exclude 25% difference in relative risk with 80% power, given the observed results.
b. An RCT that does not meet the level 1 criteria
c. A non-randomized trial with concurrent controls selected by some systematic method (not selected on the basis
of perceived suitability for one treatment of the treatment options)
d. Before-after study or case series of at least 10 patients with historical controls or controls drawn from other
studies.
e. Case series of at least 10 patients without controls
f. Case series fewer that 10 patients or case reports.

Level of quality of evidence for treatment trials

Level Criteria
I Evidence from at least one properly randomized controlled trial (Criteria a and be are satisfied)
II Evidence from at least one well designed clinical trial without randomization, from cohort or case-control
analytic studies (preferable from more than one center), from multiple-time series, or from dramatic results
in uncontrolled experiments (criteria 3-6 above).
III Evidence from opinions of respected authorities on the basis of clinical experience, descriptive studies, or
report of expert committees.

2. Studies on the Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests

Criteria for evaluating quality of evidence of studies on the accuracy of diagnostic tests

a. There was an independent interpretation of the result of the diagnostic test (without knowledge of the result of
the gold standard).
b. There was an independent interpretation of the result of the gold standard (without the knowledge of the result of
the diagnostic test).
c. The study patients consisted of > 50 consecutive patients suspected (but not known) to have the disorder of
interest.
d. The diagnostic test and the gold standard are both described in sufficient detail to allow reproducibility.
e. The study population consists of at least 50 patients with and 50 patients without the disorder of interest.

Level of quality of evidence based on a study of the accuracy of a diagnostic test

I a + b + c + d
II a + b + d + e
III Retrospective study
IV Patients were non-consecutive, selected because of definitive results of the finding under study
V Unclear gold standard or poorly defined population

3. Studies on prognosis or causation

Criteria for assessing quality of evidence

A An inception cohort was chosen
B Reproducible inclusion and exclusion criteria were used
C Follow-up was complete for at least 80% of subject
D Statistical adjustment was carried out for confounders extraneous factors
E Reproducible descriptions of outcome measures were used

Level of Quality of Evidence

I All of the following criteria must be satisfied
II An inception cohort was selected but only 3 of 4 remaining criteria were satisfied
III An inception cohort was selected but only 2 of 4 remaining criteria were satisfied
IV An inception cohort was selected but only 1 of 4 remaining criteria were satisfied
V An inception cohort was selected but only 1 of 4 remaining criteria were satisfied
VI None of the 5 criteria was met.

4. Review Articles

Criteria for evaluating quality of evidence

A Comprehensive search for evidence
B Avoidance of bias in the selection of articles
C Assessment of the validity of each cited article
D Conclusions supported by the data and analysis presented

Criteria of quality of evidence based on above criteria

I All 4 of the following criteria must be met
II 3 of the 4 criteria are met
III 2 of the 4 criteria is met
IV 1 of the 4 criteria is met
V None of the 4 criteria are met

Task Force on Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Thelma E. Tupasi, MD PSMID Chair Myrna T. Mendoza, MD PSMID
Co-Chair
Vilma M. Co, MD PSMID Rapporteur
Joselito R. Chavez, MD PCCP
Member
Jennifer A. Chua, MD PSMID
Member
Remedios F. Coronel, MD PSMID
Member
Benilda B. Galvez, MD PCCP
Member
Felicita S. Medalla, MD PSMID
Member
Ma. Imelda D. Quelapio, MD PSMID
ID Fellow
Ismael G. Sumagaysay, MD PSMID
ID Fellow
Cecille A. Taguinod, MD PSMID
ID Fellow
Ma. Lourdes A. Villa MD PSMID ID
Fellow

This project was supported by an educational grant from the Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc.
We acknowledge with thanks the contributions of the panel of experts and participants of the public forum representing
different institutions and organizations listed hereafter.

Panel of Experts and Public Forum Participants

Alipio Abad, MD (MMC)
Jesus Abello, MD (DOH)
Angeles Tan-Alora, MD (STUH)
Bolen Arribe, MD (Searle)
Tito Atienza, MD (PCCP)
Abundio Balgos, MD (UP-PGH)
Fernando Ayuyao, MD (PHC)
Antonio Gonzaga, MD (UP-CM)
Graciela G. Gonzaga (STUH)
Andres Gumban, Jr., MD (PCCP)
Elfleda Hernandez MD (CIM)
Eduardo Jamora, MD (ACCP-PC)
Mario Juco, MD (PCCP)
Rene Juaneza, MD (IDH)
Gregorio Ocampo, MD (MMC)
Francis Perfecto (Abbott)
Tomas Realiza, MD (SLMC)
Camilo Roa, MD (UP-PGH)
Rodrigo Romulo MD (MMC)
Roberto Ruiz, MD (PAFP)
Ellen Sanchez, (Medical Observer)
Francisco Barros, MD (PCEMAC)
Gerardo Beltran, MD (PCR)
Bernadeth Bringas, MD (VMMC)
Danilo Cacanindin, MD (PCCP)
Ananias Cornejo, MD (PCEMAC)
Teresita de Guia, MD (PHC)
Isaias Lanzona, MD (STUH)
Suzette Lazo, MD (Unilab)
Joselito Legaspi, MD (PCR)
Benjamin Limson, MD (MMC)
Marilla Lucero, MD (RITM)
Socorro Lupisan, MD (DOH)
Ramon Santos-Ocampo, MD (PCR)
Johnny Sinon, MD (PCEMAC)
Beaver Tamesis, MD (MSD)
Daniel Tan, MD (UERMMMC)
Paul Tan, MD (MMC)
Eric Tayag MD (DOH)
Donna de Padua, MD (PCEMAC)
Dina Diaz, MD (LCP)
Jose Escaner (Philamcare)
Annie Francisco, MD (PAFP)
Alberto Gabriel MD (AFPMC)
Merci Gappi, MD (SLMC)
Felisa Matanguihan, MD (UP-PGH)
Parkesh Mansukhani, MD (DDH)
Marilyn Ong-Mateo (STUH)
Cecilia Montalban, MD (UP-PGH)
Manny Nacua (Wyeth)
Eduardo Nievera, MD (PCR)
Bienvenido Tiangco, MD (Abbott)
Jaime Tomas, MD (PCR)
Jun Umali (Abbott) Romulo Uy,
MD (Cotobato) Ivan Villespin, MD
(STUH) Jennifer Mendoza-Wi
(DGH)
Ma. Bella Siasoco, MD (UP-PGH)
Merlou Sibonia (Abbott)

Institutions

Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center
(AFPMC)
Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM)
Dagupan General Hospital (DGH)
Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH)
Department of Health (DOH)
Iloilo Doctors Hospital (IDH)
Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP)
Makati Medical Center (MMC)
Philippine Heart Center (PHC)
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)
Santo Tomas University Hospital (STUH)
St. Lukes Medical Center (SLMC)
University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial
Medical Center (UERMMMC)
University of the Philippines Phil. General Hospital
(UP-PGH)
Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC)


Organizations

Abbott Laboratories
American College of Chest Physicians Philippine
Chapter (ACCP-PC)
G.D. Searle
Medical Observer
Merck Sharp and Dohme, Philippines (MSD)
Pfizer, Philippines
Philamcare
Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP)
Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP)
Philippine College of Emergency Medicine and Acute
Care (PCEMAC)
Philippine College of Physicians (PCP)
Philippine College of Radiology (PCR)
Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious
Diseases (PSMID)
United Laboratories
Wyeth Philippines