# Weighing options: empiric antibiotic use and stewardship opportunities in critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia

## TL;DR

This study finds that critically ill patients with pneumonia often get broad antibiotics without clear need, but MRSA treatment is adjusted faster with better testing.

## Contribution

The study highlights empiric antibiotic use patterns and de-escalation opportunities in ICU patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

## Key findings

- Critically ill patients often received empiric anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal antibiotics without clear risk factors.
- De-escalation of anti-MRSA therapy occurred more quickly, possibly due to MRSA PCR assays.

## Abstract

In this retrospective study, critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia frequently received empiric anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antipseudomonal antibiotics despite having few or no guidelines-endorsed risk factors. De-escalation of anti-MRSA therapy was quicker, likely aided by MRSA polymerase chain reaction assays.