Potential predictors of severe course and outcome of community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Severe pneumonia is a condition with a high risk of death and mandatory hospitalization in the intensive care unit. The incidence of severe pneumonia has increased dramatically during the pandemic of new coronavirus infection. Timely diagnosis and early initiation of adequate treatment of severe pneumonia are crucial for improving survival of critically ill patients.The aim of this review was to analyze published scientific research on molecular markers that allow to objectively assess the severity of pneumonia and to determine treatment tactics based on the predicted outcome upon admission to the hospital. A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Medline, Web of Science for the period 2019 - 2022.Conclusion. The review focuses on the prognostic role of a number of markers of immune response, vascular transformation, as well as angiotensin II and angiotensin converting enzyme-2. Further prospective studies of potential predictors of severe pneumonia will enable using marker molecules in a comprehensive clinical and laboratory diagnosis for early prediction of the hospitalized patient’s condition and expected outcome.