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Bakhit M, Gamage SK, Atkins T, Glasziou P, Hoffmann T, Jones M, Sanders S. Diagnostic performance of clinical prediction rules to detect group A beta-haemolytic streptococci in people with acute pharyngitis: a systematic review. Public Health 2024; 227:219-227. [PMID: 38241903 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.12.004] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess and compare the diagnostic performance of Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs) developed to detect group A Beta-haemolytic streptococci in people with acute pharyngitis (or sore throat). STUDY DESIGN A systematic review. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (inception-September 2022) for studies deriving and/or validating CPRs comprised of ≥2 predictors from an individual's history or physical examination. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in included studies. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity. Instead we compared the performance of CPRs when they were validated in the same study population (head-to-head comparisons). We used a modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach to assess certainty of the evidence. RESULTS We included 63 studies, all judged at high risk of bias. Of 24 derived CPRs, 7 were externally validated (in 46 external validations). Five validation studies provided data for head-to-head comparison of four pairs of CPRs. Very low certainty evidence favoured the Centor CPR over the McIsaac (2 studies) and FeverPain CPRs (1 study) and found the Centor CPR was equivalent to the Walsh CPR (1 study). The AbuReesh and Steinhoff 2005 CPRs had a similar poor discriminative ability (1 study). Within and between study comparisons suggested the performance of the Centor CPR may be better in adults (>18 years). CONCLUSION Very low certainty evidence suggests a better performance of the Centor CPR. When deciding about antibiotic prescribing for pharyngitis patients, involving patients in a shared decision making discussion about the likely benefits and harms, including antibiotic resistance, is recommended. Further research of higher rigour, which compares CPRs across multiple settings, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | | | - Tiffany Atkins
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Tammy Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Mark Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Sharon Sanders
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Ruiz-Ramos J, Escolà-Vergé L, Monje-López ÁE, Herrera-Mateo S, Rivera A. The Interventions and Challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Emergency Department. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1522. [PMID: 37887223 PMCID: PMC10604141 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, we have witnessed a constant increase in infections caused by multi-drug-resistant strains in emergency departments. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship programs in antibiotic consumption and minimizing multi-drug-resistant bacterium development, the characteristics of emergency departments pose a challenge to their implementation. The inclusion of rapid diagnostic tests, tracking microbiological results upon discharge, conducting audits with feedback, and implementing multimodal educational interventions have proven to be effective tools for optimizing antibiotic use in these units. Nevertheless, future multicenter studies are essential to determine the best way to proceed and measure outcomes in this scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Ruiz-Ramos
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIb Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain (A.R.)
| | - Laura Escolà-Vergé
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Eloy Monje-López
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIb Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain (A.R.)
| | - Sergio Herrera-Mateo
- Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIb Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain (A.R.)
- Emergency Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Rivera
- Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIb Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain (A.R.)
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
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Brigadoi G, Gastaldi A, Moi M, Barbieri E, Rossin S, Biffi A, Cantarutti A, Giaquinto C, Da Dalt L, Donà D. Point-of-Care and Rapid Tests for the Etiological Diagnosis of Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091192. [PMID: 36139971 PMCID: PMC9494981 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fever is one of the most common causes of medical evaluation of children, and early discrimination between viral and bacterial infection is essential to reduce inappropriate prescriptions. This study aims to systematically review the effects of point-of-care tests (POCTs) and rapid tests for respiratory tract infections on changing antibiotic prescription rate, length of stay, duration of therapy, and healthcare costs. Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. All randomized control trials and non-randomized observational studies meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated using the NIH assessment tool. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of rapid influenza diagnostic tests and film-array respiratory panel implementation on selected outcomes. From a total of 6440 studies, 57 were eligible for the review. The analysis was stratified by setting and POCT/rapid test type. The most frequent POCTs or rapid tests implemented were the Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test and film-array and for those types of test a separate meta-analysis assessed a significant reduction in antibiotic prescription and an improvement in oseltamivir prescription. Implementing POCTs and rapid tests to discriminate between viral and bacterial infections for respiratory pathogens is valuable for improving appropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. However, more studies are needed to assess these findings in pediatric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brigadoi
- Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3476959589
| | - Andrea Gastaldi
- Department of Pediatrics, Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Verona, Piazz. Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Moi
- Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Barbieri
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Rossin
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department for Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Biffi
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cantarutti
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department for Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Diagnostic Stewardship—The Impact of Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Paediatric Respiratory Presentations in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081226. [PMID: 36010116 PMCID: PMC9406643 DOI: 10.3390/children9081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health crisis, propelled by inappropriate antibiotic prescription, in particular the over-prescription of antibiotics, prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy and the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The paediatric population, in particular, those presenting to emergency settings with respiratory symptoms, have been associated with a high rate of antibiotic prescription rates. Further research has now shown that many of these antibiotic prescriptions may have been avoided, with more targeted diagnostic methods to identify underlying aetiologies. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact of rapid diagnostic testing, for paediatric respiratory presentations in the emergency setting, on antibiotic prescription rates. To review the relevant history, a comprehensive search of Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed. Eighteen studies were included in the review, and these studies assessed a variety of rapid diagnostic testing tools and outcome measures. Overall, rapid diagnostic testing was found to be an effective method of diagnostic antibiotic stewardship with great promise in improving antibiotic prescribing behaviours. Further studies are required to evaluate the use of rapid diagnostic testing with other methods of antibiotics stewardship, including clinical decisions aids and to increase the specificity of interventions following diagnosis to further reduce rates of antibiotic prescription.
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Fraser H, Gallacher D, Achana F, Court R, Taylor-Phillips S, Nduka C, Stinton C, Willans R, Gill P, Mistry H. Rapid antigen detection and molecular tests for group A streptococcal infections for acute sore throat: systematic reviews and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-232. [PMID: 32605705 DOI: 10.3310/hta24310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common condition caused by an infection of the airway. Most cases are of a viral nature; however, a number of these infections may be caused by the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Most viral and bacterial sore throat infections resolve spontaneously within a few weeks. Point-of-care testing in primary care has been recognised as an emerging technology for aiding targeted antibiotic prescribing for sore throat in cases that do not spontaneously resolve. OBJECTIVE Systematically review the evidence for 21 point-of-care tests for detecting group A Streptococcus bacteria and develop a de novo economic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care tests alongside clinical scoring tools with the cost-effectiveness of clinical scoring tools alone for patients managed in primary care and hospital settings. DATA SOURCES Multiple electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2019. The following databases were searched in November and December 2018 and searches were updated in March 2019: MEDLINE [via OvidSP (Health First, Rockledge, FL, USA)], MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (via OvidSP), MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print (via OvidSP), MEDLINE Daily Update (via OvidSP), EMBASE (via OvidSP), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [via Wiley Online Library (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USA)], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (via Wiley Online Library), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (via Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), Health Technology Assessment database (via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), Science Citation Index and Conference Proceedings [via the Web of Science™ (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, PA, USA)] and the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination). REVIEW METHODS Eligible studies included those of people aged ≥ 5 years presenting with sore throat symptoms, studies comparing point-of-care testing with antibiotic-prescribing decisions, studies of test accuracy and studies of cost-effectiveness. Quality assessment of eligible studies was undertaken. Meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity was carried out for tests with sufficient data. A decision tree model estimated costs and quality-adjusted life-years from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective. RESULTS The searches identified 38 studies of clinical effectiveness and three studies of cost-effectiveness. Twenty-six full-text articles and abstracts reported on the test accuracy of point-of-care tests and/or clinical scores with biological culture as a reference standard. In the population of interest (patients with Centor/McIsaac scores of ≥ 3 points or FeverPAIN scores of ≥ 4 points), point estimates were 0.829 to 0.946 for sensitivity and 0.849 to 0.991 for specificity. There was considerable heterogeneity, even for studies using the same point-of-care test, suggesting that is unlikely that any single study will have accurately captured a test's true performance. There is some randomised controlled trial evidence to suggest that the use of rapid antigen detection tests may help to reduce antibiotic-prescribing rates. Sensitivity and specificity estimates for each test in each age group and care setting combination were obtained using meta-analyses where appropriate. Any apparent differences in test accuracy may not be attributable to the tests, and may have been caused by known differences in the studies, latent characteristics or chance. Fourteen of the 21 tests reviewed were included in the economic modelling, and these tests were not cost-effective within the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's cost-effectiveness thresholds. Uncertainties in the cost-effectiveness estimates included model parameter inputs and assumptions that increase the cost of testing, and the penalty for antibiotic overprescriptions. LIMITATIONS No information was identified for the elderly population or pharmacy setting. It was not possible to identify which test is the most accurate owing to the paucity of evidence. CONCLUSIONS The systematic review and the cost-effectiveness models identified uncertainties around the adoption of point-of-care tests in primary and secondary care settings. Although sensitivity and specificity estimates are promising, we have little information to establish the most accurate point-of-care test. Further research is needed to understand the test accuracy of point-of-care tests in the proposed NHS pathway and in comparable settings and patient groups. STUDY REGISTRATION The protocol of the review is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018118653. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 31. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fraser
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Felix Achana
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachel Court
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Chidozie Nduka
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Chris Stinton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Paramjit Gill
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hema Mistry
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Pernica JM, Smaill F, Kam AJ, Bartholomew A, Doan Q, Smieja M, Khan S, Sung M, Thabane L, Goldfarb DM. Single-centre, open-label, randomised, trial to compare rapid molecular point-of-care streptococcal testing to standard laboratory-based testing for the management of streptococcal pharyngitis in children: study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047271. [PMID: 34380724 PMCID: PMC8359528 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Streptococcal pharyngitis, which commonly occurs in children, should be treated with antibiotics. Clinical prediction rules to differentiate streptococcal pharyngitis from viral infection are not recommended in children. Rapid point-of-care (POC) antigen tests have limited sensitivity and so are not often used in Canadian paediatric emergency departments (EDs). Standard paediatric practice is to rely on laboratory-based testing, which often results in a delay before the results can be communicated to the patient; this may impede appropriate prescribing, decrease caregiver satisfaction and delay recovery. The objective of this study is to determine whether a novel rapid molecular POC assay for streptococcal pharyngitis leads to more appropriate antibiotic use in children seeking care in a paediatric ED than standard laboratory-based testing. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A randomised, superiority, open-label, trial with two parallel groups. Children presenting to a tertiary paediatric ED at least 3 years of age who have a throat swab ordered for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis will be eligible; those who have taken antibiotics within 72 hours prior to presentation and those with additional active infections will be excluded. The primary study outcome will be appropriate antibiotic treatment at 3-5 days postenrolment. Secondary outcomes include time to symptom resolution, caregiver satisfaction, caregiver/child absenteeism, number of subsequent healthcare visits, clinician satisfaction and incremental cost-effectiveness of POC testing. A total of 352 participants will be needed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION All study documentation has been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics board and informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Data from this trial will be presented at major conferences and published in peer-reviewed publications to facilitate collaborations with networks of clinicians experienced in the dissemination of clinical guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04247243.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Pernica
- Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Smaill
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - April J Kam
- Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Bartholomew
- Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Quynh Doan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marek Smieja
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Khan
- Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melani Sung
- Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M Goldfarb
- Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Essack S, Bell J, Burgoyne D, Tongrod W, Duerden M, Sessa A, Altiner A, Shephard A. Point-of-Care Testing for Pharyngitis in the Pharmacy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E743. [PMID: 33126412 PMCID: PMC7693205 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis (also known as sore throat) is a common, predominately viral, self-limiting condition which can be symptomatically managed without antibiotic treatment. Inappropriate antibiotic use for pharyngitis contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, a small proportion of sore throats caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) infection may benefit from the provision of antibiotics. Establishing the cause of infection is therefore an important step in effective antibiotic stewardship. Point-of-care (POC) tests, where results are available within minutes, can distinguish between viral and GAS pharyngitis and can therefore guide treatment in primary healthcare settings such as community pharmacies, which are often the first point of contact with the healthcare system. In this opinion article, the evidence for the use of POC testing in the community pharmacy has been discussed. Evidence suggests that pharmacy POC testing can promote appropriate antibiotic use and reduce the need for general practitioner consultations. Challenges to implementation include cost, training and 'who prescribes', with country and regional differences presenting a particular issue. Despite these challenges, POC testing for pharyngitis has become widely available in pharmacies in some countries and may represent a strategy to contain antibiotic resistance and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabiha Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - John Bell
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Douglas Burgoyne
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Wirat Tongrod
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand;
| | - Martin Duerden
- School of Medicine, Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Aurelio Sessa
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care (SIMG, Società Italiana di Medicina Generale delle Cure Primarie), 50142 Florence, Italy;
| | - Attila Altiner
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
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Hagedoorn NN, Borensztajn DM, Nijman R, Balode A, von Both U, Carrol ED, Eleftheriou I, Emonts M, van der Flier M, de Groot R, Herberg J, Kohlmaier B, Lim E, Maconochie I, Martinon-Torres F, Nieboer D, Pokorn M, Strle F, Tsolia M, Yeung S, Zavadska D, Zenz W, Vermont C, Levin M, Moll HA. Variation in antibiotic prescription rates in febrile children presenting to emergency departments across Europe (MOFICHE): A multicentre observational study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003208. [PMID: 32813708 PMCID: PMC7444592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prescription rate of antibiotics is high for febrile children visiting the emergency department (ED), contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Large studies at European EDs covering diversity in antibiotic and broad-spectrum prescriptions in all febrile children are lacking. A better understanding of variability in antibiotic prescriptions in EDs and its relation with viral or bacterial disease is essential for the development and implementation of interventions to optimise antibiotic use. As part of the PERFORM (Personalised Risk assessment in Febrile illness to Optimise Real-life Management across the European Union) project, the MOFICHE (Management and Outcome of Fever in Children in Europe) study aims to investigate variation and appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in febrile children visiting EDs in Europe. METHODS AND FINDINGS Between January 2017 and April 2018, data were prospectively collected on febrile children aged 0-18 years presenting to 12 EDs in 8 European countries (Austria, Germany, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands [n = 3], Spain, Slovenia, United Kingdom [n = 3]). These EDs were based in university hospitals (n = 9) or large teaching hospitals (n = 3). Main outcomes were (1) antibiotic prescription rate; (2) the proportion of antibiotics that were broad-spectrum antibiotics; (3) the proportion of antibiotics of appropriate indication (presumed bacterial), inappropriate indication (presumed viral), or inconclusive indication (unknown bacterial/viral or other); (4) the proportion of oral antibiotics of inappropriate duration; and (5) the proportion of antibiotics that were guideline-concordant in uncomplicated urinary and upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs). We determined variation of antibiotic prescription and broad-spectrum prescription by calculating standardised prescription rates using multilevel logistic regression and adjusted for general characteristics (e.g., age, sex, comorbidity, referral), disease severity (e.g., triage level, fever duration, presence of alarming signs), use and result of diagnostics, and focus and cause of infection. In this analysis of 35,650 children (median age 2.8 years, 55% male), overall antibiotic prescription rate was 31.9% (range across EDs: 22.4%-41.6%), and among those prescriptions, the broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription rate was 52.1% (range across EDs: 33.0%-90.3%). After standardisation, differences in antibiotic prescriptions ranged from 0.8 to 1.4, and the ratio between broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum prescriptions ranged from 0.7 to 1.8 across EDs. Standardised antibiotic prescription rates varied for presumed bacterial infections (0.9 to 1.1), presumed viral infections (0.1 to 3.3), and infections of unknown cause (0.1 to 1.8). In all febrile children, antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate in 65.0% of prescriptions, inappropriate in 12.5% (range across EDs: 0.6%-29.3%), and inconclusive in 22.5% (range across EDs: 0.4%-60.8%). Prescriptions were of inappropriate duration in 20% of oral prescriptions (range across EDs: 4.4%-59.0%). Oral prescriptions were not concordant with the local guideline in 22.3% (range across EDs: 11.8%-47.3%) of prescriptions in uncomplicated RTIs and in 45.1% (range across EDs: 11.1%-100%) of prescriptions in uncomplicated urinary tract infections. A limitation of our study is that the included EDs are not representative of all febrile children attending EDs in that country. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed wide variation between European EDs in prescriptions of antibiotics and broad-spectrum antibiotics in febrile children. Overall, one-third of prescriptions were inappropriate or inconclusive, with marked variation between EDs. Until better diagnostics are available to accurately differentiate between bacterial and viral aetiologies, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship guidelines across Europe is necessary to limit antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke N. Hagedoorn
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC–Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dorine M. Borensztajn
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC–Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud Nijman
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anda Balode
- Department of Paediatrics, Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Enitan D. Carrol
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Irini Eleftheriou
- Second Department of Paediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marieke Emonts
- Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Allergy, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jethro Herberg
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benno Kohlmaier
- Department of General Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Emma Lim
- Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Allergy, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Maconochie
- Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Martinon-Torres
- Genetics, Vaccines, Infections and Paediatrics Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marko Pokorn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maria Tsolia
- Second Department of Paediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dace Zavadska
- Department of Paediatrics, Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte, Riga, Latvia
| | - Werner Zenz
- Department of General Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Clementien Vermont
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC–Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Levin
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henriëtte A. Moll
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC–Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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In-vitro diagnostic point-of-care tests in paediatric ambulatory care: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235605. [PMID: 32628707 PMCID: PMC7337322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paediatric consultations form a significant proportion of all consultations in ambulatory care. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) may offer a potential solution to improve clinical outcomes for children by reducing diagnostic uncertainty in acute illness, and streamlining management of chronic diseases. However, their clinical impact in paediatric ambulatory care is unknown. We aimed to describe the clinical impact of all in-vitro diagnostic POCTs on patient outcomes and healthcare processes in paediatric ambulatory care. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science from inception to 29 January 2020 without language restrictions. We included studies of children presenting to ambulatory care settings (general practice, hospital outpatient clinics, or emergency departments, walk-in centres, registered drug shops delivering healthcare) where in-vitro diagnostic POCTs were compared to usual care. We included all quantitative clinical outcome data across all conditions or infection syndromes reporting on the impact of POCTs on clinical care and healthcare processes. Where feasible, we calculated risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by performing meta-analysis using random effects models. RESULTS We included 35 studies. Data relating to at least one outcome were available for 89,439 children of whom 45,283 had a POCT across six conditions or infection syndromes: malaria (n = 14); non-specific acute fever 'illness' (n = 7); sore throat (n = 5); acute respiratory tract infections (n = 5); HIV (n = 3); and diabetes (n = 1). Outcomes centred around decision-making such as prescription of medications or hospital referral. Pooled estimates showed that malarial-POCTs (Plasmodium falciparum) better targeted antimalarial treatment by reducing over-treatment by a third compared to usual care (RR 0.67; 95% CI [0.58 to 0.77], n = 36,949). HIV-POCTs improved initiating earlier antiretroviral therapy compared to usual care (RR, 3.11; 95% CI [1.55 to 6.25], n = 912). Across the other four conditions, there was limited evidence for the benefit of POCTs in paediatric ambulatory care except for acute respiratory tract infections (RTI) in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), where POCT C-Reactive Protein (CRP) may reduce immediate antibiotic prescribing by a third (risk difference, -0.29 [-0.47, -0.11], n = 2,747). This difference was shown in randomised controlled trials in LMICs which included guidance on interpretation of POCT-CRP, specific training or employed a diagnostic algorithm prior to POC testing. CONCLUSION Overall, there is a paucity of evidence for the use of POCTs in paediatric ambulatory care. POCTs help to target prescribing for children with malaria and HIV. There is emerging evidence that POCT-CRP may better target antibiotic prescribing for children with acute RTIs in LMIC, but not in high-income countries. Research is urgently needed to understand where POCTs are likely to improve clinical outcomes in paediatric settings worldwide.
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Cohen JF, Pauchard JY, Hjelm N, Cohen R, Chalumeau M. Efficacy and safety of rapid tests to guide antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 6:CD012431. [PMID: 32497279 PMCID: PMC7271976 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012431.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common condition caused by viruses or bacteria, and is a leading cause of antibiotic prescription in primary care. The most common bacterial species is group A streptococcus ('strep throat'). Between 50% to 70% of pharyngitis cases are treated with antibiotics, despite the majority of cases being viral in origin. One strategy to reduce antibiotics is to use rapid tests for group A streptococcus to guide antibiotic prescriptions. Rapid tests can be used alone or in combination with a clinical scoring system. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of strategies based on rapid tests to guide antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat in primary care settings. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and LILACS, as well as the trial registries ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP on 5 June 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rapid tests with management based on clinical grounds to guide the prescription of antibiotics for people with a sore throat in ambulatory care settings. We included trials that randomised individuals, as well as cluster-RCTs in which individual practitioners (or practices) or emergency departments were randomised. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data on the primary outcomes (number of participants provided with an antibiotic prescription; number of participants with an antibiotic dispensed) and secondary outcomes (duration of sore throat symptoms; duration of other symptoms; quality of life measures; number of participants with a complication attributed to the index infection; number of participants in need of re-consultation by the end of follow-up; number of participants in need of hospital admission by the end of follow-up; number of satisfied participants; number of participants with an adverse event attributed to the rapid test). We assessed the risk of bias of all included trials and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We performed meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses when feasible. MAIN RESULTS We included five trials (2891 children and adult participants in total; 2545 participants after adjusting for clustering). Management in the intervention group was as follows: in three trials rapid tests were used in combination with a clinical scoring system; in one trial, some physicians were asked to use rapid tests alone, while others were asked to use rapid tests in combination with a clinical scoring system; in one trial, rapid tests were used alone. Based on data from five trials (2545 participants), a large reduction in prescribed antibiotics was found in the rapid test group (481/1197) versus management based on clinical grounds (865/1348), for a summary risk difference (RD) of -25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -31% to -18%; I2 = 62%; moderate-certainty evidence. Estimates of effect on antibiotic prescription rates were stable in various sensitivity analyses. Based on data from two trials (900 people) originating from the same overarching study, the evidence suggests that rapid tests may not reduce dispensed antibiotic treatments: rapid test group (156/445) versus management based on clinical grounds (197/455); summary RD -7%, 95% CI -17% to 2%; I2 = 53%; low-certainty evidence. Four trials (2075 participants) reported data on the number of participants with a complication attributed to the index infection; the summary odds ratio (OR) was 0.85, 95% CI 0.03 to 26.65; P = 0.93; I2 = 62%; very low-certainty evidence, which means that people in the rapid testing group were less likely to develop complications of the index infection, but the evidence is very uncertain. Two trials (1161 participants) reported on the number of participants in need of re-consultation by the end of follow-up; the summary OR was 1.12, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.21; P = 0.74; I2 = 59%; low-certainty evidence, which means that participants in the rapid testing group were more likely to be in need of re-consultation by the end of the study follow-up, but the evidence is uncertain. Lack of data impeded assessment of other secondary outcomes (including safety outcomes) and of sources of heterogeneity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Rapid testing to guide antibiotic treatment for sore throat in primary care probably reduces antibiotic prescription rates by 25% (absolute risk difference), but may have little or no impact on antibiotic dispensing. More studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of rapid test-guided antibiotic prescribing, notably to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and variability across subgroups (e.g. adults versus children).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie F Cohen
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pauchard
- Département Médico-Chirurgical de Pédiatrie, Hôpital de l'Enfance de Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nils Hjelm
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Centre de Recherche Épidémiologie et Statistique Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Inserm UMR1153, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, Paris, France
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Bouzid D, Zanella MC, Kerneis S, Visseaux B, May L, Schrenzel J, Cattoir V. Rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases in the emergency department. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:182-191. [PMID: 32120036 PMCID: PMC7129254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for infectious diseases, with a turnaround time of less than 2 hours, are promising tools that could improve patient care, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention in the emergency department (ED) setting. Numerous RDTs have been developed, although not necessarily for the ED environment. Their successful implementation in the ED relies on their performance and impact on patient management. Objectives The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of currently available RDTs for infectious diseases in the ED. Sources PubMed was searched through August 2019 for available studies on RDTs for infectious diseases. Inclusion criteria included: commercial tests approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Conformité Européenne (CE) in vitro diagnostic devices with data on clinical samples, ability to run on fully automated systems and result delivery within 2 hours. Content A nonexhaustive list of representative commercially available FDA- or CE-approved assays was categorized by clinical syndrome: pharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal infection, meningitis and encephalitis, fever in returning travellers and sexually transmitted infection, including HIV. The performance of tests was described on the basis of clinical validation studies. Further, their impact on clinical outcomes and anti-infective use was discussed with a focus on ED-based studies. Implications Clinicians should be familiar with the distinctive features of each RDT and individual performance characteristics for each target. Their integration into ED work flow should be preplanned considering local constraints of given settings. Additional clinical studies are needed to further evaluate their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bouzid
- Emergency Department, AP-HP, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, France; University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - M-C Zanella
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Laboratory Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Kerneis
- University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France; AP-HP, Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre-Cochin, Paris, France; Pharmacoepidémiology and Infectious Diseases (Phemi), Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - B Visseaux
- University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France; AP-HP, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Virology, Paris, France
| | - L May
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J Schrenzel
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Laboratory Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Cattoir
- Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France; CNR de `la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé'Entérocoques), Rennes, France; Unité Inserm U1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
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Tello-Cajiao ME, Osorio L. Impact of Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests on the Prescription of Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs by Physicians in an Endemic Area in Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 101:696-704. [PMID: 31333163 PMCID: PMC6726934 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is insufficient evidence on whether dengue rapid diagnostic tests (dRDTs) influence clinical decisions in endemic areas. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the impact of dRDTs on the prescription of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs by physicians in a dengue-endemic area in Colombia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 330 patients in Cali, Colombia, between January 2012 and December 2017. The exposure was defined by the result of the dRDT. The outcomes were prescription of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs after results of dRDT. Incidence and RR with 95% CIs were estimated. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted separately for each outcome. Antibiotics were prescribed in 3% exposed and 14% unexposed. Anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed in 1.2% exposed and 7.9% unexposed. A positive dRDT reduced the prescription of anti-inflammatories (AdjOR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.008-0.5) but, by itself, had no effect on antibiotics (AdjOR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.2-6); however, in hospitalized patients, a positive result reduced the probability of antibiotic prescription (AdjOR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.8). Despite limitations of current dRDTs, they influence treatment decisions. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of dRDTs in patient outcomes and health-care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Elena Tello-Cajiao
- Grupo de Epidemiología y Salud Poblacional (GESP), School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Lyda Osorio
- Grupo de Epidemiología y Salud Poblacional (GESP), School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
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Messina F, Clavenna A, Cartabia M, Piovani D, Bortolotti A, Fortino I, Merlino L, Bonati M. Antibiotic prescription in the outpatient paediatric population attending emergency departments in Lombardy, Italy: a retrospective database review. BMJ Paediatr Open 2019; 3:e000546. [PMID: 31909220 PMCID: PMC6937000 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in children seen in emergency departments (EDs) and to compare prescription profiles in ED and primary care. DESIGN This is a retrospective analysis of healthcare administrative databases. SETTING The study analysed data collected in emergency departments (EDs) and primary care practices (PCPs) in Lombardy, Italy. PARTICIPANTS Children and adolescents between 1 and 13 years old with an ED access and/or an antibiotic prescription in the first semester of 2012 participated in the study. Only those with an index event (ie, without ED access, hospital admissions or antibiotic prescriptions in the previous 60 days) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcomes are percentage of subjects receiving amoxicillin (first-choice antibiotic) and percentages receiving macrolides/cephalosporins (second-choice therapies). RESULTS During the observation period, 133 275 children had one ED access, and 26 087 (19.6%) received an antibiotic prescription. In all, 56.1% of children seen for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) received an antibiotic, with a prevalence of 67.8% for otitis media and 56.4% for pharyngotonsillitis; 22.3% of children were given amoxicillin after a visit for URTIs, with no differences among infections, and 19.6% received macrolides and cephalosporins. Few differences were found when comparing the index antibiotic prescriptions in ED and PCP settings. A higher prescription of second-choice antibiotics was observed among children cared for by PCPs compared with children attending EDs (31.3% vs 23.4%, χ2 M-H=720, p<0.001). The place of residence was the main determinant of the qualitative profile of prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS More must be done to improve rational use of antibiotics in the ED and PCP setting, and educational interventions including physicians in both setting are strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Messina
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Clavenna
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Cartabia
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Piovani
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Ida Fortino
- Regional Health Ministry, Lombardy Region, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Merlino
- Regional Health Ministry, Lombardy Region, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bonati
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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