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Table 5 MGS PPC diagnostic criteria with modifications*

From: The LIPPSMAck POP (Lung Infection Prevention Post Surgery - Major Abdominal - with Pre-Operative Physiotherapy) trial: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial

Diagnosis confirmed when four or more of the following are present:

 Clinical factors

• New abnormal breath sounds on auscultation different to pre-operative assessment

• Production of yellow or green sputum different to pre-operative assessment

• Pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90 % on room air on more than one consecutive post-operative day

• Raised maximum oral temperature >38 °C more than one consecutive day

 Diagnostic factors

• Chest radiograph report of collapse/consolidation. *When a CXR has been taken but no report is available, a ward medical officer or a senior respiratory physiotherapist with more than 10 years’ experience will be asked to report

• An unexplained WCC greater than 11 × 109/L

• Presence of infection on sputum culture report

• Physician’s diagnosis of *pneumonia, URTI, or an undefined chest infection, or prescription of an antibiotic for a respiratory infection

  1. * modification made to original criteria