Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Using CURB-65 to assess severity and guide clinical treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of mortality and hospitalizations worldwide. CAP is an acute respiratory infection that directly affects the lungs and can be of bacterial or viral origin, affecting the alveoli. The main agents are viruses, although the pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae still accounts for a significant number of cases. The disease is a major cause of hospitalization. Therefore, there is a need to investigate resources that support decision-making, such as the use of the CURB-65 tool, created in 2003 by the British Thoracic Society. Objective: To demonstrate the use of CURB-65 to assess severity and direct clinical treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Method: This is an integrative literature review, an evidence-based practice instrument. Initially, the following research question was formulated: “What is the evidence for the use of CURB-65 to assess severity and guide clinical treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia?”. Data analysis came from the Virtual Health Library in the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) databases. From the initial search, which took place from June to July 2024, eight (8) were consistent with the research question. Results and Discussion: CURB-65 makes it possible to early assess clinical severity, since values ​​were assigned to the patient's health condition. It appears that predictive models, such as CURB-65, are fundamental tools for Public Health, since they assist in decision-making. In view of the above, decisions are fundamental to patient safety and the rational use of resources. This is because late admission to the Intensive Care Unit points to an increase in mortality rates. Conclusion: At the end of the research, it was understood that the score constitutes an essential tool for clinical practice and that adequate management constitutes an indispensable task for the health professional. Thus, the primary objective is to achieve assertive outcomes while reducing mortality.