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Ong SWX, Tong SYC, Daneman N. Are we enrolling the right patients? A scoping review of external validity and generalizability of clinical trials in bloodstream infections. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1393-1401. [PMID: 37633330 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a representative population in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) improves external validity and generalizability of trial results. There are limited data examining differences between RCT-enrolled and real-world populations in bloodstream infections (BSI). OBJECTIVES We conducted a scoping review aiming to review studies assessing generalizability of BSI RCT populations, to identify sub-groups that have been systematically under-represented and to explore approaches to improve external validity of future RCTs. SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for terms related to external validity or generalizability, BSI, and clinical trials in papers published up to 1 August 2023. Studies comparing enrolled versus nonenrolled patients, or papers discussing external validity or generalizability in the context of BSI RCTs were included. CONTENT Sixteen papers were included in the final review. Five compared RCT-enrolled and nonenrolled participants from the same source population. There were significant differences between the two groups in all studies, with nonenrolled patients having a greater comorbidity burden and consistently worse outcomes including mortality. We identified several barriers to improving generalizability of RCT populations and outlined potential approaches to reduce these barriers, such as alternative/simplified consent processes, streamlining eligibility criteria and follow-up procedures, quota-based sampling techniques, and ensuring diversity in site and study team selection. IMPLICATIONS Study cohorts in BSI RCTs are not representative of the general BSI patient population. As we increasingly adopt large pragmatic trials in infectious diseases, it is important to recognize the importance of maximizing generalizability to ensure that our research findings are of direct relevance to our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W X Ong
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nick Daneman
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
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McDonald EG, Prosty C, Hanula R, Bortolussi-Courval É, Albuquerque AM, Tong SYC, Hamilton F, Lee TC. Observational versus randomized controlled trials to inform antibiotic treatment durations: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:165-170. [PMID: 36108947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies comparing shorter and longer antibiotic treatment durations are increasingly common. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are an ideal methodological approach to study antibiotic treatment durations; however, these trials can be logistically and financially challenging to conduct. OBJECTIVES In this narrative review, we sought to compare the strengths and limitations of observational study data with those of RCT data in evaluating antibiotic treatment durations. We used uncomplicated Gram-negative bacteraemia as an illustrative case example because several published RCTs and observational studies have been conducted in similar patient populations. SOURCES We searched MEDLINE for articles comparing treatment durations for gram-negative bacteremia from inception to June 9th, 2022. We included studies reporting on all-cause mortality and/or relapse at day 28-30. Data comparing short- versus long-course therapy were pooled by Bayesian random effects meta-analyses to assess the odds ratios (OR) of all-cause mortality and relapse at 30 days, stratified by study design. Parameters were summarized with median and 95% highest-density credible intervals (CrI). Posterior probabilities of OR > 1.0 were estimated. Observational studies were further examined to determine if and how they addressed potential sources of bias. CONTENT We identified 1671 unique records and included 10 studies (seven observational and three RCTs). With respect to 30-day mortality, the Bayesian posterior probability that a longer course of therapy was better (i.e. OR >1.0) was 42% in RCTs (OR, 0.94; 95% CrI, 0.51-1.68) and 91% in observational studies (OR, 1.25; 95% CrI, 0.88-1.73). No observational study fully addressed all potential sources of bias. IMPLICATIONS On the basis of our findings, we discuss future directions for antibiotic treatment duration trials, including approaches to limit sources of bias in observation data and novel trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Connor Prosty
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryan Hanula
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Émilie Bortolussi-Courval
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arthur M Albuquerque
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fergus Hamilton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Infection Science, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Todd C Lee
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Paul M, Dishon-Benattar Y, Dickstein Y, Yahav D. Optimizing patient recruitment into clinical trials of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad005. [PMID: 36726533 PMCID: PMC9883721 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recruitment of patients with critical priority antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria into drug approval randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been successful to date. Approaching from the viewpoint of clinician-investigators and learning from the experience of AMR-focused investigator-initiated trials, we present suggestions to improve feasibility and efficiency of RCTs evaluating patients with severe infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative or other AMR bacteria. Considerations address the trials' eligibility criteria, whether the focus of the trial is pathogen- or syndrome-targeted, trials' case report forms and monitoring, informed consent strategies for the recruitment of extremely ill patients, team dedication and incentives to run the trial and alternative trial designs. Evidence on the effects of new drugs against the AMR that these drugs target is weak and needs to be improved through better industry-academic collaboration, taking advantage of the different strengths of industry-led and investigator-initiated research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yael Dishon-Benattar
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel,The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaakov Dickstein
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dafna Yahav
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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Bai AD, Lo CK, Komorowski AS, Suresh M, Guo K, Garg A, Tandon P, Senecal J, Corpo OD, Stefanova I, Fogarty C, Butler-Laporte G, McDonald EG, Cheng MP, Morris AM, Loeb M, Lee TC. Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia mortality across country income groups: A secondary analysis of a systematic review. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:405-411. [PMID: 35728748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a common infection worldwide. We compared SAB mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) versus high-income countries (HIC) in a meta-analysis. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1991-2021 and included observational, single-country studies on patients with positive blood cultures for S. aureus. The main outcome was the proportion of patients with SAB who died in the hospital. A generalized linear mixed random-effects model was used to pool estimates, and a meta-regression was used to adjust for study-level characteristics. RESULTS A total of 332 studies involving 517,671 patients in 39 countries were included. No study was conducted in a low-income country. Only 33 (10%) studies were performed in middle-income countries (MIC), which described 6,216 patients. The pooled in-hospital mortality was 32.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.2%-38.2%, T2 = 0.3063) in MIC and 22.3% (95% CI 20.1%-24.6%, T2 = 0.3257) in HIC. In a meta-regression model, MIC had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.71; P = 0.0042) than HIC. CONCLUSION In SAB studies, LMIC are poorly represented. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in MIC than in HIC. Research should be conducted in LMIC to characterize differences in care processes driving the mortality gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Bai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Carson Kl Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam S Komorowski
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mallika Suresh
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Guo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akhil Garg
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pranav Tandon
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julien Senecal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivier Del Corpo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabella Stefanova
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Fogarty
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrew M Morris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health, University Health Network, and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Loeb
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Funck-Brentano C. Evidence-based medicine: Friend and foe. Therapie 2022:S0040-5957(22)00143-3. [PMID: 36192190 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Dolby HW, Clifford SA, Laurenson IF, Fowler VG, Russell CD. Heterogeneity In Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia Clinical Trials Complicates Interpretation Of Findings. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:723-728. [PMID: 35639909 PMCID: PMC9441204 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically evaluated randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). There was intertrial heterogeneity in cohort characteristics, including bacteremia source, complicated SAB, and comorbidities. Reporting of cohort characteristics was itself variable, including bacteremia source and illness severity. Selection bias was introduced by exclusion criteria relating to comorbidities, illness severity, infection types, and source control. Mortality was lower in RCT control arms compared with observational cohorts. Differences in outcome definitions impedes meta-analysis. These issues complicate the interpretation and application of SAB RCT results. The value of these trials should be maximized by a standardized approach to recruitment, definitions, and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather W Dolby
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Sarah A Clifford
- Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Ian F Laurenson
- Clinical Microbiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Vance G Fowler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, U.S.A.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, U.S.A
| | - Clark D Russell
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, U.K.,Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K.,Clinical Microbiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
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Bai AD, Lo CK, Komorowski AS, Suresh M, Guo K, Garg A, Tandon P, Senecal J, Del Corpo O, Stefanova I, Fogarty C, Butler-Laporte G, McDonald EG, Cheng MP, Morris AM, Loeb M, Lee TC. Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1076-1084. [PMID: 35339678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise estimates of mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) are important to convey prognosis and guide design of interventional studies. OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the all-cause mortality in SAB and to explore how it changed with time. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from January 1, 1991 to May 7, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Human observational studies on patients with S. aureus bloodstream infection. PARTICIPANTS Patients with a positive blood culture for S. aureus. METHODS Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A generalized linear mixed random effects model was used to pool estimates. RESULTS A total of 341 studies were included, which described 536,791 patients. From 2011 onwards, the estimated mortality was 10.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.0%-12.1%) at 7 days, 13.3% (95% CI 11.1%-15.8%) at 2 weeks, 18.1% (95% CI 16.3%-20.0%) at 1 month, 27.0% (95% CI 21.5%-33.3%) at 3 months, and 30.2% (95% CI 22.4%-39.3%) at 1 year. In a meta-regression model of 1-month mortality, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) had a higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.04 95% CI 1.02-1.06 per 10% increase in MRSA proportion), and compared to prior to 2001, more recent time periods had lower mortality (aORs 0.88 [95% CI 0.75-1.03] for 2001 to 2010; 0.82 [95% CI 0.69-0.97] for 2011 onwards). CONCLUSIONS SAB mortality has decreased over the last 3 decades. However, more than 1 in 4 patients will die within 3 months and continuous improvement in care remains necessary. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021253891.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Bai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster, University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Carson Kl Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam S Komorowski
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster, University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mallika Suresh
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Guo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akhil Garg
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pranav Tandon
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julien Senecal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Del Corpo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabella Stefanova
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Fogarty
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew M Morris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health, University Health Network, and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Loeb
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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