Prognostic value of plasma D-dimer level in adults with community-acquired pneumonia: A prospective study

Introduction: Plasma D-dimer (DD) levels are among the potential new biomarkers for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum DD levels and the severity of CAP, assessed by CURB-65 and PSI scores, radiological extent of the disease and mortality. Material and Methods: Prospectively analysis of adult patients with CAP, admitted to our Internal Medicine ward between 18 th of December 2013 and 30 th of April 2014. Standard evaluation including medical history, PSI and CURB-65 score, risk factors/concomitant diseases, chest radiograph and laboratory findings, specifically DD, at hospital admission was carried out. Data analysis was executed by SPSS. Results: This study included 65 men and 37 women (mean age 81.57 ± 10.57 years versus 78.59 ± 12.65years, respectively). The median (range) of plasma DD level was 1.55 μg/ml, (0.17 μg/ml -14.69 μg/ml). DD level was negative (ie, 0,05). Conclusions: Plasma DD levels have no prognostic value in CAP for our patients and did not correlate with radiological extent or in-hospital mortality rate.