The differential should include other causes of hemolysis, such as that found in non-immune hemolytic anemia including intrinsic red cell defects, hemolysis due to extrinsic factors (ie trugs or toxins) as well as mechanical damage hemolytic anemia as found in DIC and HUS.
The best initial antibiotic choice is thought to be a macrolide. Macrolides provide the best coverage for the most likely organisms in community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAP). Macrolides have effective coverage for gram-positive, Legionella, and Mycoplasma organisms. Azithromycin administered intravenously is an alternative to intravenous erythromycin.
Research has not pinpointed an exact duration of antibiotic therapy. Current recommendations call for 7 - 10 days of treatment for S. pneumoniae and 10 - 14 days for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.However, some research suggests that patients with mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia may be successfully treated with 7 days or less of antibiotics.atients with pneumonia need an antibiotic that is effective against the organism causing the disease. When the organism is unknown, empiric therapy is given, meaning the doctor chooses which antibiotic is likely to work based on factors such as the patient's age, health, and severity of the illness.