Table 1.

Experts recommendations regarding SCAP diagnosis and management

The IDSA/ATS criteria remain the most pragmatic and robust tools to predict patients requiring ICU admission

We recommend empirically covering PES pathogens in SCAP when at least two specific risk factors are present

We recommend the use of prompt therapy with oseltamivir in patients with influenza CAP and avoidance of the use of steroids. Zanamivir can be used in cases of treatment failure and/or confirmed oseltamivir resistance

We recommend a combination of a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor or a third G cephalosporin plus a macrolide in most SCAP patients

Patients with SCAP and septic shock should be managed with current practice guidelines. Corticosteroids can be used in cases of refractory shock and high systemic inflammatory response

Based on available data, new antibiotics providing existing limitations in empiric therapy (including macrolide resistant species and MRSA) are needed