Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Implications for the Hospitalized Child

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As the epidemiology of CAP continues to evolve, practitioners need to be aware of the prevalent pathogens in their region. In the age of continuing antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens, it is important to know the local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to appropriately choose empiric therapy when a bacterial process is suspected. Local laboratories can commonly provide this data.

Whatever the future holds, we continue to need the collaboration and expertise of the inpatient practitioner, the infectious disease specialist, and the surgeon/interventionalist. All are necessary to ensure the prompt recognition of empyema and the need for timely medical and surgical intervention for these patients.

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