DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF NOSOCOMIAL PNEUMONIA

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) occurs frequently and is associated with inc reased morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis, however, is difficult. The combination of clinical, radiographical and microbiological criter ia may overestimate the true incidence of the infection. Although rece ntly introduced techniques, such as bronchoscopy, probably increase th e specificity for diagnosing NP, it remains to be established whether the use of these techniques improves patient outcome or decreases unne cessary antibiotic use.