Povoa et al extended their study of the C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio to patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. The ratio can help to distinguish low from high risk patients. The authors are from Garcia de Orla Hospital in Almade, Portugal.
Patient selection: ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) started on antibiotic therapy
Parameters:
(1) initial CRP value in mg/dL (D0)
(2) CRP after 4 days of antibiotic therapy
CRP ratio =
= (CRP on day 4) / (initial CRP)
The CRP ratio showed 4 patterns over time.
CRP Ratio
Time Course
Pattern
< 0.4
rapid decline
fast responder
< 0.8
slow decline
slow responder
>= 0.8
continuously >= 0.8
nonresponder
>= 0.8
initial decline < 0.8 followed by rise
biphasic responder
Poor outcome was associated with:
(1) ratio > 0.6
(2) nonresponder or biphasic responder pattern
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
