Table 2 Baseline risk classification, diagnostic criteria of CAP and pre-study use of antibiotics

FINE criteria [13]

 Mean score [range]

69 ± 27 [18–167]

 Category II

386 (56.4 %)

 Category III

181 (26.5 %)

 Category IV

100 (14.6 %)

 Category V

17 (2.5 %)

Clinical and radiologic CAP criteria

N = 684

 Pyrexia

676 (98.8 %)

 Shivering

631 (91.9 %)

 Severe cough or persistent cough with discolored phlegm

682 (99.7 %)

 Crepitation/late inspiratory crackles or bronchial breathing

553 (80.9 %)

 Chest radiograph (X-ray)

483 (70.6 %)^a

Antibiotic therapy used 14 days prior to study entry

N = 83

 Co-amoxiclav

23 (27.7 %)

 Cefuroxime

16 (19.3 %)

 Clarithromycin

15 (18.1 %)

 Amoxycillin

10 (12.1 %)

 Ceftriaxone

7 (8.4 %)

 Azithromycin

5 (6.0 %)

 Levofloxacin

3 (3.6 %)

 Cefixime

2 (2.4 %)

 Moxifloxacin

1 (1.2 %)

 Penicillin

1 (1.2 %)