Severe community-acquired pneumonia on the intensive care unit

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is a common and important reason for admission to intensive care. This group of patients has a mortality rate of approximately 50% when admitted, which has not significantly fallen over the last decade. Recent papers however have shown that severity assessment or changes in standardised treatment regimens may improve patient care. This latest evidence needs to be interpreted with up-to-date national and international guidelines to ensure that the best evidence-based care is given to patients.