03-03-2009, 04:57 PM
A 58-year-old man with α1-antitrypsin deficiency is evaluated in the emergency department for increased shortness of breath, cough, increased sputum production and purulence. His medications include tiotropium and albuterol. He has received weekly intravenous α1-antitrypsin replacement therapy for the past year with no complications; he has received four courses of antibiotic therapy in the past year for acute exacerbations of COPD, and he is taking continuous oxygen. The FEV1 is 0.8 L.
Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?
A Hospitalization; treat with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics with coverage for gram-negative rods
B Hospitalization; treat with systemic corticosteroids and a second-generation cephalosporin
C Treat at home with prednisone and amoxicillin
D Treat at home with prednisone and a macrolide antibiotic
Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?
A Hospitalization; treat with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics with coverage for gram-negative rods
B Hospitalization; treat with systemic corticosteroids and a second-generation cephalosporin
C Treat at home with prednisone and amoxicillin
D Treat at home with prednisone and a macrolide antibiotic