TREATMENT PATHWAY FOR ADULT PATIENTS WITH PNEUMONIA
The purpose of this document is to guide the appropriate treatment of adult patients presenting with pneumonia. Three pathways with different empiric treatment regimens based on risk of infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens (including MRSA, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., organisms not susceptible to beta-lactams (ceftriaxone or ampicillin-sulbactam) and/or fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)) are shown below.
Empiric Treatment Pathway A: Community-Onset (No Risk Factors listed in Pathway B) For dosing, alternative treatment options, duration, Ampicillin-sulbactam and important comments + Patients presenting from the community without an risk factors for drug-resistant Click here for Pathway A Recommendations Azithromycin pathogens (includes patients admitted to the ICU for respiratory failure who do not meet Pathway B criteria) *see treatment guidelines for appropriate use of ceftriaxone as an alternative agent Pathway B: Community-Onset, Risk Factors Patients presenting with any of the following risk factors for drug-resistant pathogens OR unknown etiology of septic shock: • History of infection or colonization with Pseudomonas spp., MRSA, or pathogens resistant to standard CAP therapy (ampicillin-sulbactam or ceftriaxone) within previous 12 months • Severe community-acquired pneumonia (septic shock OR requiring mechanical ventilation OR high clinical concern for needing ICU careα ), AND meeting 1 of the following criteria: Empiric Treatment • Hospitalization for at least 48 hours AND use of any intravenous antibiotic, fluoroquinolone, or linezolid within previous 90 days For dosing, alternative treatment options, duration, Cefepime OR and important comments (+ tobramycin if admitted to ICU) • Immunocompromised, defined as: Click here for Pathway B Recommendations + • AIDS (CD4 <200) Vancomycin • Neutropenia (ANC <1000) • Kidney or liver or heart transplant recipient within previous 1 year • Solid organ transplant recipient treated for rejection within previous 6 months • Lung transplant recipient • Allogeneic stem cell transplant within previous 1 year or those with chronic GVHD • Autoimmune disorders on biologic agents (TNFα inhibitors, rituximab, etc.) Empiric Treatment Pathway C: Hospital-Onset For dosing, alternative treatment options, duration, Cefepime and important comments • Hospital-acquired pneumonia (current hospitalization for 72 hours) (+ tobramycin if admitted to ICU) Click here for Pathway C Recommendations • Ventilator-associated pneumonia + Vancomycin Utilization of procalcitonin (PCT) levels • Consider diagnosis of a viral respiratory tract infection in patients with a low # PCT level (<0.25 mcg/L). Antibiotics are discouraged in these patients and should be discontinued.^ • Patients with AKI/CKD, massive trauma, major surgery, post-partum, acute GVHD, and cytokine stimulants may have false elevations in PCT levels. ^ #Repeat 6-12 hours after 1st level if no antibiotics started and clinical suspicion for bacterial pneumonia persists ^See UMHS Procalcitonin Usage Guidelines for more information
Common Indication Empiric Therapy Duration of Therapy Comments Pathogens Pathway A (Part I, non-ICU) Inpatient Streptococcus Preferred: Uncomplicated/Aspiration • Appropriately tailor therapy based on community pneumonia Ampicillin-sulbactam* 3 Pneumonia: respiratory culture results. -acquired g IV q6h • 5 days for patients who pneumonia, Haemophilus + Azithromycin 500 mg defervesce within 72 hours and • Anaerobic coverage is not necessary for no risk influenzae IV/PO x1 day, then 250 have no more than 1 sign of CAP patients with pneumonia following an factors mg q24h x4 days instability at the time of antibiotic aspiration event. Only those with Moraxella discontinuation┼ empyema or lung abscess should receive (Non-ICU catarrhalis • Patients with delayed response empiric anaerobic coverage. patient) Low/medium risk PCN should discontinue therapy 48-72 Mycoplasma allergy: hours after defervesce and have • For culture negative pneumonia, pneumoniae Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q24h no more than 1 sign of CAP transition to oral therapy when patient + Azithromycin 500 mg ┼ is afebrile with clinical improvement and Chlamydia IV/PO x1 day, then instability at time antibiotic hemodynamically stable for 48 hours: discontinuation. pnemoniae 250mg q24h x4 days • 1st line:
Complicated Pneumonia: Amoxicillin-clavulanate* 875 mg Legionella Consider the addition of BID species anaerobic coverage with • Patients with empyema, infected pleural effusions, and bacteremia + Azithromycin (complete 5-day metronidazole 500 mg course of azithromycin) PO q8h if empyema or secondary to pneumonia may require longer durations of • Low/medium risk PCN allergy: lung abscess present Cefuroxime* 500 mg BID plus therapy. Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia should azithromycin (complete 5-day course of azithromycin) High risk PCN and be treated for a minimum of 7-14 days. ID consult is recommended • High risk PCN or cephalosporin cephalosporin allergy: allergy: Levofloxacin* 750 mg for patients with bacteremia. Levofloxacin* 750 mg PO q24h IV/PO q24h Pathogen-Specific Considerations: • Uncomplicated pneumonia with • Adjust levofloxacin and ampicillin- Consider the addition of sulbactam for renal dysfunction. Always anaerobic coverage with non- fermenting GNRs (e.g., Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, give levofloxacin loading dose of 750 mg metronidazole 500 mg x1 dose PO q8h if empyema or Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas) or lung abscess present • Use azithromycin 500 mg q24 h if Staphylococcus aureus should receive 7 days of therapy if documented or high clinical suspicion for Legionella (can pursue further diagnostic Addition of vancomycin defervescensce within 72 hours and have no more than 1 sign of testing → respiratory legionella PCR) Consider if high clinical suspicion for CA-MRSA CAP instability at the time of ┼. • In setting of macrolide allergy can use (prior isolation of antibiotic discontinuation doxycycline for atypical coverage in MRSA from Delayed response will likely absence of Legionella concern. respiratory culture in require longer durations. past 12 months or • In patients with documented post-influenza ┼CAP clinical signs of instability (if Mycoplasma, use of doxycycline should pneumonia) different than patient baseline be preferred for treatment due to status) concern for macrolide resistance. • HR ≥ 100 bpm • RR ≥ 24 breaths/min • Antibiotic coverage of atypical • SBP ≤ 90 mmHg organisms can be discontinued if the • Arterial O2 sat ≤ 90% or pO2 respiratory panel (RPAN) and urine ≤ 60 mmHg on room air antigens are negative. • Altered mental status • See front page for tips on utilization of procalcitonin (PCT) levels
Common Indication Empiric Therapy Duration of Therapy Comments Pathogens Pathway A (Part II, ICU) Inpatient Streptococcus Preferred: Uncomplicated/Aspiration • Appropriately tailor therapy based on community pneumonia Ampicillin-sulbactam* 3 Pneumonia: respiratory culture results. -acquired g IV q6h • 5 days for patients who pneumonia, Haemophilus + Azithromycin 500 mg defervesce within 72 hours and • Anaerobic coverage is not necessary for no risk influenzae IV q24h x5 days have no more than 1 sign of CAP patients with pneumonia following an factors instability at the time of antibiotic aspiration event. Only those with Moraxella ┼ empyema or lung abscess should receive discontinuation empiric anaerobic coverage. (ICU catarrhalis Low/medium risk PCN • Patients with delayed response patient) allergy: should discontinue therapy 48-72 • IV therapy for first 24 hours for ICU Mycoplasma Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q24h hours after defervesce and have patients pneumoniae + Azithromycin 500 mg no more than 1 sign of CAP IV q24h x5 days • For culture negative pneumonia, transition instability┼ at time antibiotic Chlamydia to oral therapy when patient is afebrile discontinuation. pnemoniae Consider the addition of with clinical improvement and
anaerobic coverage with hemodynamically stable for 48 hours: Complicated Pneumonia: Legionella metronidazole 500 mg IV • 1st line: species q8h if empyema or lung • Patients with empyema, infected pleural effusions, and bacteremia Amoxicillin-clavulanate* 875 mg abscess present BID secondary to pneumonia may require longer durations of + Azithromycin (complete 5-day course of azithromycin) therapy. Bacteremic High risk PCN and • Low/medium risk PCN allergy: pneumococcal pneumonia should cephalosporin allergy: Cefuroxime* 500 mg BID plus be treated for a minimum of 7-14 Vancomycin** IV (see azithromycin (complete 5-day days. ID consult is recommended nomogram) course of azithromycin) + Aztreonam 2 g IV q8h for patients with bacteremia. • High risk PCN or cephalosporin allergy: + Azithromycin 500 mg Levofloxacin* 750 mg PO q24h IV q24h x5 days Pathogen-Specific Considerations: • Uncomplicated pneumonia with • Adjust levofloxacin, ampicillin-sulbactam, Consider the addition of non- fermenting GNRs (e.g., aztreonam, and piperacillin-tazobactam anaerobic coverage with Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, for renal dysfunction. Always give metronidazole 500 mg IV Acinetobacter, levofloxacin loading dose of 750 mg x1 q8h if empyema or lung Stenotrophomonas) or dose
abscess present Staphylococcus aureus should • Use azithromycin 500 mg q24 h if receive 7 days of therapy if documented or high clinical suspicion for defervescensce within 72 hours and have no more than 1 sign of Legionella (can pursue further diagnostic Addition of vancomycin testing → respiratory legionella PCR) Consider if high clinical CAP instability at the time of ┼. suspicion for CA-MRSA antibiotic discontinuation • In setting of macrolide allergy can use (prior isolation of Delayed response will likely doxycycline for atypical coverage in MRSA from require longer durations. absence of Legionella concern. respiratory culture in past 12 months or • In patients with documented Mycoplasma, ┼CAP clinical signs of instability (if post-influenza use of doxycycline should be preferred for different than patient baseline pneumonia) treatment due to concern for macrolide status) resistance. • HR ≥ 100 bpm • RR ≥ 24 breaths/min • Antibiotic coverage of atypical organisms • SBP ≤ 90 mmHg can be discontinued if the respiratory • Arterial O2 sat ≤ 90% or pO2 panel (RPAN) and urine antigens are ≤ 60 mmHg on room air negative. • Altered mental status • See front page for tips on utilization of procalcitonin (PCT) levels
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Pathway B (Previous culture data should be used to guide empiric therapy) Indication Empiric Therapy Duration Comments Patients presenting with any of Preferred: Uncomplicated/Aspiration If atypical pathogens are suspected, start the following risk factors for Cefepime* 2 g IV q8h Pneumonia: azithromycin 500 mg IV x1 day, followed drug-resistant pathogens OR (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted • 5 days for patients who by 250 mg IV/PO daily x4 days. Use unknown etiology of septic to ICU) defervesce within 72 hours azithromycin 500 mg q24h if high clinical shock: + Vancomycin** IV (see and have no more than 1 suspicion for Legionella. Treatment sign of CAP instability at the duration may be longer for confirmed • History of infection or nomogram) colonization with time of antibiotic Legionella. In setting of macrolide allergy ┼ can use doxycycline for atypical coverage Pseudomonas spp., MRSA, or discontinuation NOTE: If patient has a history of in non-ICU patients and in the absence of other MDR gram-negative • Patients with delayed Pseudomonas or MDR gram- Legionella concern response should discontinue pathogens (resistant to negative pathogen ONLY, therapy 48-72 hours after ampicillin-sulbactam or empiric vancomycin use is not In patients with documented or high defervesce and have no ceftriaxone) within previous necessary. If MRSA history clinical suspicion for Mycoplasma, use of more than 1 sign of CAP 12 months ONLY, use of cefepime is not ┼ levofloxacin* should be preferred for • In patients with severe necessary (preferred regimen instability at time treatment due to concern for macrolide community-acquired would be ampicillin-sulbactam antibiotic discontinuation. resistance. pneumonia (septic shock OR + vancomycin). requiring mechanical Complicated Pneumonia: Discontinue vancomycin if no evidence of ventilation OR high clinical Low/medium risk cephalosporin • Patients with empyema, MRSA colonization (negative MRSA nasal concern for needing ICU level allergy: infected pleural effusions, swab) if clinically appropriate. In patients and bacteremia secondary careα), AND: Meropenem* 2 g IV q8h with evidence of colonization (positive to pneumonia should 1. Hospitalization for at MRSA nasal swab) or if unknown, (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted receive longer durations of least 48 hours AND use discontinue vancomycin after 48-72 hours to ICU) therapy. Bacteremic of any intravenous if no positive respiratory cultures for MRSA + Vancomycin** IV (see pneumococcal pneumonia antibiotic, and clinically appropriate. Vancomycin can nomogram) should be treated for a be continued for gram-positive coverage in fluoroquinolone, or minimum of 7-14 days. ID linezolid within patients with no microbiological diagnosis Consider the addition of consult is recommended for who are receiving aztreonam due to previous 90 days anaerobic coverage with patients with bacteremia. allergies. OR metronidazole 500 mg IV q8h if 2. Immunocompromised, empyema or lung abscess Pathogen-Specific Considerations: Antibiotic therapy is not generally defined as: present • Uncomplicated pneumonia recommended for patients with ventilator- o AIDS (CD4 <200) with non- fermenting GNRs associated tracheobronchitis (defined as o Neutropenia (ANC High risk PCN and cephalosporin (e.g., Pseudomonas, fever with no other recognizable cause, <1000) allergy: Achromobacter, with new or increased sputum production, o Acinetobacter, Kidney or liver or Aztreonam* 2 g IV q8h positive endotracheal aspirate culture, and heart transplant Stenotrophomonas) or (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted no radiographic evidence of pneumonia). recipient within Staphylococcus aureus to ICU) previous 1 year should receive 7 days of Definitive therapy should be tailored to + Vancomycin** IV (see o Solid organ therapy if defervescensce culture results. In patients with negative nomogram) transplant recipient within 72 hours and have respiratory cultures who are clinically
treated for rejection no more than 1 sign of CAP stable after 48 hours, deescalate antibiotic Consider the addition of instability at the time of within previous 6 therapy to CAP treatment. Oral antibiotics anaerobic coverage with antibiotic months should be considered in clinically stable metronidazole 500 mg IV q8h if ┼. Delayed o Lung transplant discontinuation patients. empyema or lung abscess recipient response will likely require • Preferred: present o Allogeneic stem cell longer durations. Amoxicillin-clavulanate* 875 mg BID
transplant within • Low/medium risk PCN allergy:
previous 1 year or ┼ Cefuroxime* 500 mg BID Linezolid may be used in patients CAP clinical signs of those with chronic • High risk PCN allergy: with vancomycin allergy (not instability (if different than GVHD patient baseline status) Levofloxacin* 750 mg PO q24h vancomycin infusion reaction). See o Autoimmune • HR ≥ 100 bpm • In patients with VAP or in those with restriction criteria for appropriate disorders on • RR ≥ 24 breaths/min inadequate cultures, physician empiric and definitive use of biologic agents • SBP ≤ 90 mmHg discretion is advised. linezolid. (TNFα inhibitors, • Arterial O2 sat ≤ 90% or See front page for tips on utilization of rituximab, etc.) pO2 ≤ 60 mmHg on room procalcitonin (PCT) levels air • Altered mental status
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Pathway C (Previous culture data should be used to guide empiric therapy) Indication Empiric Therapy Duration Comments Preferred: 7 days for uncomplicated If atypical pathogens are suspected, start Hospital-acquired pneumonia Cefepime* 2 g IV q8h pneumonia with rapid azithromycin 500 mg IV x1 day, followed by 250 mg IV/PO daily x4 days. Use azithromycin (current hospitalization for (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted clinical response within 72 ≥72 hours) to ICU) 500 mg q24h if high clinical suspicion for hours (including patients Legionella. Treatment duration may be longer + Vancomycin** IV (see with Pseudomonas, for confirmed Legionella. In setting of Ventilator-associated nomogram) Stenotrophomonas, macrolide allergy can use doxycycline for pneumonia Acinetobacter, or atypical coverage in non-ICU patients and in the absence of Legionella concern Burkholderia) Low/medium risk cephalosporin allergy: Patients with empyema, In patients with documented or high clinical suspicion for Mycoplasma, use of Meropenem* 2 g IV q8h infected pleural effusions, (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted levofloxacin* should be preferred for and bacteremia to ICU) treatment due to concern for macrolide secondary to pneumonia + Vancomycin** IV (see resistance.
nomogram) may require longer durations of therapy. Discontinue vancomycin if no evidence of MRSA colonization (negative MRSA nasal swab) if Consider the addition of clinically appropriate. In patients with evidence anaerobic coverage with of colonization (positive MRSA nasal swab) or if metronidazole 500 mg IV q8h unknown, discontinue vancomycin after 48-72 if empyema or lung abscess hours if no positive respiratory cultures for present MRSA and clinically appropriate. Vancomycin can be continued for gram-positive coverage in High risk PCN and cephalosporin patients with no microbiological diagnosis who are receiving aztreonam due to allergies. allergy:
Aztreonam* 2 g IV q8h Antibiotic therapy is not generally (+ Tobramycin* IV if admitted recommended for patients with ventilator- to ICU) associated tracheobronchitis (defined as fever + Vancomycin** IV (see with no other recognizable cause, with new or nomogram) increased sputum production, positive endotracheal aspirate culture, and no Consider the addition of radiographic evidence of pneumonia). anaerobic coverage with Definitive therapy should be tailored to culture metronidazole 500 mg IV q8h results. In patients with negative respiratory if empyema or lung abscess cultures who are clinically stable after 48 hours, present deescalate antibiotic therapy to CAP treatment. Oral antibiotics should be considered in clinically stable patients. Linezolid may be used in • Preferred: patients with vancomycin allergy Amoxicillin-clavulanate* 875 mg BID (not vancomycin infusion • Low/medium risk PCN allergy: reaction). See restriction criteria Cefuroxime* 500 mg BID for appropriate empiric and • High risk PCN allergy: definitive use of linezolid. Levofloxacin* 750 mg PO q24h • In patients with VAP or in those with inadequate cultures, physician discretion is advised.
See front page for tips on utilization of procalcitonin (PCT) levels
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Footnotes:
* Dose may need to be adjusted for renal dysfunction
** For ADULTS: Dose per vancomycin nomogram with AUC goal 400-600 mcg*hr/mL
α High clinical concern for needing ICU level care can be defined as having at least 3 of the following: RR ≥30
breaths/min, SpO2 <90% OR O2 supplementation ≥7 L, multilobar infiltrates, confusion, hypothermia (<36°C), severe sepsis
NOTE: See Beta-lactam Allergy Evaluation and Empiric Therapy Guidance document for further allergy information. High-risk allergies are defined as: respiratory symptoms (chest tightness, bronchospasm, wheezing, cough), angioedema (swelling, throat tightness), cardiovascular symptoms (hypotension, dizzy/lightheadedness, syncope/passing out, arrhythmia), anaphylaxis. If a patient has a high-risk allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or carbapenems, the only beta-lactam antibiotic that can be safely used without Allergy consult is aztreonam (if the allergy is to ceftazidime or aztreonam, aztreonam should be avoided as well).
Antimicrobial Subcommittee Approval: 04/19, 07/20, 06/21 Originated: Unknown P&T Approval: 07/19, 08/20, 07/20 Last Revised: 09/21 Revision History: 8/20: Revised/added pathways B & C 10/20: Adjusted ceftriaxone dosing 03/21: Updated vancomycin dosing & hyperlinks 07/21: Updated pathway B & C empiric antibiotic selection 09/21: Updated vacomycin infusion reaction terminology The recommendations in this guide are meant to serve as treatment guidelines for use at Michigan Medicine facilities. If you are an individual experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. These guidelines should not replace a provider’s professional medical advice based on clinical judgment, or be used in lieu of an Infectious Diseases consultation when necessary. As a result of ongoing research, practice guidelines may from time to time change. The authors of these guidelines have made all attempts to ensure the accuracy based on current information, however, due to ongoing research, users of these guidelines are strongly encouraged to confirm the information contained within them through an independent source.
If obtained from a source other than med.umich.edu/asp, please visit the webpage for the most up-to-date document.
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