Antibiotic use Period in Hospitalized Patients with Pneumonia: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Abstract

Pneumonia continues to be a serious worldwide health issue, resulting in
considerable morbidity and death in adults. This narrative analysis evaluates the
ideal length of antibiotic therapy in individuals with community-acquired pneumonia
(CACP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HACP), and ventilator-associated pneumonia
(VASP). Present research indicates that less lengthy antimicrobial sessions are
superior in both safety and effectiveness compared to longer sessions, particularly
in those suffering from mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CACP),
aligning with worldwide guideline suggestions. Data are insuffi cient for the ideal
length of antibiotics in patients with HASP, necessitating individualized treatment
based on the causal bacteria and clinical outcome. Lower sessions are seen
equally effi cient as longer ones in managing VACP, except pneumonia induced by
non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria; although, the length must be calibrated
to account for potential increased recurrence rates alongside the established
advantages of shorter courses. Furthermore, the confi rmation of dependable
biomarkers or clinical indicators that discern people likely to gain advantages from
abbreviated treatment is essential. This review’s fi ndings may inform subsequent
studies on tailored antibiotic therapy for pneumonia to enhance results for patients