Symptoms and signs plus erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein predicted pneumonia in lower respiratory tract infectionContributions of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein to a diagnosis of pneumonia in acute lower respiratory tract infection.

Marrie, Thomas J MD (commentator)
Hopstaken, RM
Muris, JW
Knottnerus, JA
et al,

University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Hopstaken RM, Muris JW, Knottnerus JA, et al. Contributions of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein to a diagnosis of pneumonia in acute lower respiratory tract infection. Br J Gen Pract 2003; 53: 358–64.HopstakenRMMurisJWKnottnerusJAet alContributions of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein to a diagnosis of pneumonia in acute lower respiratory tract infection.Br J Gen Pract200353358-64Q In adults with a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), which symptoms, signs, and tests best inform the diagnosis of pneumonia?

For correspondence: Dr R M Hopstaken, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. [email protected]

Source of funding: Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Evidence Based Medicine 9(2):p 55, April 2004.

Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ Emergency medicine ★★★★★☆☆ Internal medicine ★★★★☆☆☆ Respirology ★★★★☆☆☆ Infectious disease ★★★★☆☆☆