Impact of Procalcitonin Guidance on Management of Adults Hospitalized with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations.

Background: Antibiotics are often prescribed for hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. The use of procalcitonin (PCT) in the management of pneumonia has safely reduced antibiotic durations, but limited data on the impact of PCT guidance on the management of COPD exacerbations remain.

Objective: To determine the impact of PCT guidance on antibiotic utilization for hospitalized adults with exacerbations of COPD.

Impact of Procalcitonin Guidance with an Educational Program on Management of Adults Hospitalized with Pneumonia.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia and healthcare-associated pneumonia are often treated with prolonged antibiotic therapy. Procalcitonin (PCT) has effectively and safely reduced antibiotic use for pneumonia in controlled studies. However, limited data exist regarding PCT guidance in real-world settings for management of pneumonia.