Clinical factors, C-reactive protein point of care test and chest X-ray in patients with pneumonia: A survey in primary care

Abstract

Background: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), general practitioners (GPs) often find it challenging to decide to prescribe antibiotics or not. C-reactive protein (CRP) point of care test (POCT), and chest X-ray are diagnostic tests that can optimize the treatment decision. However, their usefulness in clinical practice is unknown. Objectives: To determine the proportion of Dutch GPs using CRP and chest X-ray in patients with an acute LRTI. To determine whether clinical factors and C-reactive protein point of care test affect the behaviour in requesting chest X-rays. Methods: In 2014, a questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 900 Dutch GPs. Outcome parameters are the use of CRP and chest X-ray, the percentage of GPs who guide their decision in requesting chest X-rays by CRP testing and the GP’s expectation regarding presence or absence of pneumonia. In addition, considerations for requesting chest X-rays were assessed. Results: Two hundred and fifty-five completed questionnaires (29%) were returned. In 2014, 54% of the responding GPs used the CRP test. These GPs tend to use fewer chest X-rays (p = 0.07). GPs overestimate the chance that pneumonia will be present on the radiograph. Seventy percent consider the possibility of abnormalities other than pneumonia as the main reason for requesting a chest X-ray. Conclusion: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection, GPs report that CRP results affect their behaviour regarding the request of a chest X-ray in patients with lower respiratory tract infection and therefore research is needed to substantiate the use of these diagnostic tools for this purpose.

Keywords

• c-reactive protein
• general practice
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• x-rays