Management of Health-Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP)

Introduction The traditional classification of Pneumonia as either community acquired (CAP) or hospital acquired (HAP) reflects deep differences in the etiology, pathogenesis, approach and prognosis between the two entities. Health-Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP) develops in a heterogeneous group of patients receiving invasive medical care or surgical procedures in an outpatient setting. For epidemiology and outcomes, HCAP closely resembles HAP and possibly requires an analogous therapeutic regimen effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Materials and methods We reviewed the pertinent literature and the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of HCAP to analyze the evidence for the recommended approach. Results Growing evidence seems to confirm the differences in epidemiology and outcome between HCAP and CAP but fails to confirm any real advantage in pursuing an aggressive treatment for all HCAP and CAP patients. Discussion Further investigations are needed to establish the optimal treatment approach according to the different categories of patients and the different illness severities. Keywords Health Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP); Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP); Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP); Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pathogens