Der Internist
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Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Germany. However, no reliable data are available about spectrum and resistance of pathogens, course of the disease, evidence based guidelines for treatment, and pathogen-host interactions. ⋯ Since October 2002, 1547 patients with CAP have been recruited within the network. First results indicate, that new observations made in terms of symptoms, spectrum of pathogens involved, and treatment modalities will impact on the formulation of new guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia.
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Review Comparative Study
[Treatment for viral respiratory infections: Principles of action, strategies, and future prospects].
Pulmonary viral infections are associated with substantial morbidity and socioeconomic costs. Rhinovirus, influenza A and B, adenovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus are etiologies most often associated with infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Therapy of viral infections in nonimmunocompromised hosts has only developed slowly during recent years, despite the enormous socioeconomic impact. ⋯ Neuraminidase inhibitors have produced notable progress in the therapeutic approaches to influenza-associated pulmonary infections and are at least able to shorten the duration of symptoms in selected patients. However, neuraminidase inhibitors can only be applied in specific infections and the spectrum of agents with antiviral activity is broad. This article summarizes major principles of antiviral efficacy and reviews recent clinical trials.