1
|
Spurling GK, Dooley L, Clark J, Askew DA. Immediate versus delayed versus no antibiotics for respiratory infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD004417. [PMID: 37791590 PMCID: PMC10548498 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004417.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns exist regarding antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) owing to adverse reactions, cost and antibacterial resistance. One proposed strategy to reduce antibiotic prescribing is to provide prescriptions, but to advise delay in antibiotic use with the expectation that symptoms will resolve first. This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in 2007, and updated in 2010, 2013 and 2017. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects on duration and/or severity of clinical outcomes (pain, malaise, fever, cough and rhinorrhoea), antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance and patient satisfaction of advising a delayed prescription of antibiotics in respiratory tract infections. SEARCH METHODS From May 2017 until 20 August 2022, this was a living systematic review with monthly searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. We also searched the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 August 2022. Due to the abundance of evidence supporting the review's key findings, it ceased being a living systematic review on 21 August 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials involving participants of all ages with an RTI, where delayed antibiotics were compared to immediate or no antibiotics. We defined a delayed antibiotic as advice to delay the filling of an antibiotic prescription by at least 48 hours. We considered all RTIs regardless of whether antibiotics were recommended or not. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS For this 2022 update, we added one new trial enrolling 448 children (436 analysed) with uncomplicated acute RTIs. Overall, this review includes 12 studies with a total of 3968 participants, of which data from 3750 are available for analysis. These 12 studies involved acute RTIs including acute otitis media (three studies), streptococcal pharyngitis (three studies), cough (two studies), sore throat (one study), common cold (one study) and a variety of RTIs (two studies). Six studies involved only children, two only adults and four included both adults and children. Six studies were conducted in primary care, four in paediatric clinics and two in emergency departments. Studies were well reported and appeared to provide moderate-certainty evidence. Randomisation was not adequately described in two trials. Four trials blinded the outcome assessor, and three included blinding of participants and doctors. We conducted meta-analyses for pain, malaise, fever, adverse effects, antibiotic use and patient satisfaction. Cough (four studies): we found no differences amongst delayed, immediate and no prescribed antibiotics for clinical outcomes in any of the four studies. Sore throat (six studies): for the outcome of fever with sore throat, four of the six studies favoured immediate antibiotics, and two found no difference. For the outcome of pain related to sore throat, two studies favoured immediate antibiotics, and four found no difference. Two studies compared delayed antibiotics with no antibiotic for sore throat, and found no difference in clinical outcomes. Acute otitis media (four studies): two studies compared immediate with delayed antibiotics - one found no difference for fever, and the other favoured immediate antibiotics for pain and malaise severity on Day 3. Two studies compared delayed with no antibiotics: one found no difference for pain and fever severity on Day 3, and the other found no difference for the number of children with fever on Day 3. Common cold (two studies): neither study found differences for clinical outcomes between delayed and immediate antibiotic groups. One study found delayed antibiotics were probably favoured over no antibiotics for pain, fever and cough duration (moderate-certainty evidence). ADVERSE EFFECTS there were either no differences for adverse effects or results may have favoured delayed over immediate antibiotics with no significant differences in complication rates (low-certainty evidence). Antibiotic use: delayed antibiotics probably resulted in a reduction in antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics (odds ratio (OR) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.07; 8 studies, 2257 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, a delayed antibiotic was probably more likely to result in reported antibiotic use than no antibiotics (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.75; 5 studies, 1529 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Patient satisfaction: patient satisfaction probably favoured delayed over no antibiotics (OR 1.45, 1.08 to 1.96; 5 studies, 1523 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was probably no difference in patient satisfaction between delayed and immediate antibiotics (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.29; 7 studies, 1927 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). No studies evaluated antibiotic resistance. Reconsultation rates and use of alternative medicines were similar for delayed, immediate and no antibiotic strategies. In one of the four studies reporting use of alternative medicines, less paracetamol was used in the immediate group compared to the delayed group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For many clinical outcomes, there were no differences between prescribing strategies. Symptoms for acute otitis media and sore throat were modestly improved by immediate antibiotics compared with delayed antibiotics. There were no differences in complication rates. Delaying prescribing did not result in significantly different levels of patient satisfaction compared with immediate provision of antibiotics (86% versus 91%; moderate-certainty evidence). However, delay was favoured over no antibiotics (87% versus 82%). Delayed antibiotics achieved lower rates of antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics (30% versus 93%). The strategy of no antibiotics further reduced antibiotic use compared to delaying prescription for antibiotics (13% versus 27%). Delayed antibiotics for people with acute respiratory infection reduced antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics, but was not shown to be different to no antibiotics in terms of symptom control and disease complications. Where clinicians feel it is safe not to prescribe antibiotics immediately for people with RTIs, no antibiotics with advice to return if symptoms do not resolve is likely to result in the least antibiotic use while maintaining similar patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes to delayed antibiotics. Where clinicians are not confident in not prescribing antibiotics, delayed antibiotics may be an acceptable compromise in place of immediate prescribing to significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for RTIs, while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction levels. Further research into antibiotic prescribing strategies for RTIs may best be focused on identifying patient groups at high risk of disease complications, enhancing doctors' communication with patients to maintain satisfaction, ways of increasing doctors' confidence to not prescribe antibiotics for RTIs, and policy measures to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for RTIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Kp Spurling
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Deborah A Askew
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cots JM, Moragas A, García-Sangenís A, Morros R, Gomez-Lumbreras A, Ouchi D, Monfà R, Pera H, Pujol J, Bayona C, de la Poza-Abad M, Llor C. Effectiveness of antitussives, anticholinergics or honey versus usual care in adults with uncomplicated acute bronchitis: a study protocol of an open randomised clinical trial in primary care. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028159. [PMID: 31101700 PMCID: PMC6530348 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the frequent use of therapies in acute bronchitis, the evidence of their benefit is lacking, since only a few clinical trials have been published, with low sample sizes, poor methodological quality and mainly in children. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three symptomatic therapies (dextromethorphan, ipratropium or honey) associated with usual care and the usual care in adults with acute bronchitis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This will be a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, open randomised trial. Patients aged 18 or over with uncomplicated acute bronchitis, with cough for less than 3 weeks as the main symptom, scoring ≥4 in either daytime or nocturnal cough on a 7-point Likert scale, will be randomised to one of the following four groups: usual care, dextromethorphan 30 mg three times a day, ipratropium bromide inhaler 20 µg two puffs three times a day or honey 30 mg (a spoonful) three times a day, all taken for up to 14 days. The exclusion criteria will be pneumonia, criteria for hospital admission, pregnancy or lactation, concomitant pulmonary disease, associated significant comorbidity, allergy, intolerance or contraindication to any of the study drugs or admitted to a long-term residence. SAMPLE 668 patients. The primary outcome will be the number of days with moderate-to-severe cough. All patients will be given a paper-based symptom diary to be self-administered. A second visit will be scheduled at day 2 or 3 for assessing evolution, with two more visits at days 15 and 29 for clinical assessment, evaluation of adverse effects, re-attendance and complications. Patients still with symptoms at day 29 will be called 6 weeks after the baseline visit. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Ethical Board of IDIAP Jordi Gol (reference number: AC18/002). The findings of this trial will be disseminated through research conferences and peer-review journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03738917; Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Cots
- Primary Healthcare Centre La Marina, Barcelona, Spain, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Ana Moragas
- Primary Healthcare Centre Jaume I, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Catalonia
| | - Ana García-Sangenís
- Medicines Research Unit, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Catalonia
- UICEC IDIAP Jordi Gol, Plataforma SCReN, Barcelona, Catalonia
| | - Rosa Morros
- Medicines Research Unit, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Catalonia
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia
| | - Ainhoa Gomez-Lumbreras
- Medicines Research Unit, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Catalonia
| | - Dan Ouchi
- Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Catalonia
| | - Ramon Monfà
- Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Catalonia
| | - Helena Pera
- Medicines Research Unit, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Catalonia
- UICEC IDIAP Jordi Gol, Plataforma SCReN, Barcelona, Catalonia
| | | | | | | | - Carl Llor
- Primary Healthcare Centre Barcelona-2B (via Roma), Barcelona, Catalonia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de la Poza Abad M, Mas Dalmau G, Gich Saladich I, Martínez García L, Llor C, Alonso-Coello P. Use of delayed antibiotic prescription in primary care: a cross-sectional study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:45. [PMID: 30914044 PMCID: PMC6434640 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-0934-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of several strategies developed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in situations where the indication is not clear is delayed antibiotic prescription (DAP), defined as an antibiotic prescription issued for the patient to take only in case of feeling worse or not feeling better several days after the visit. We conducted a survey to identify DAP use in Spanish primary care settings. METHODS We surveyed 23 healthcare centers located in 4 autonomous regions where a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on DAP was underway. The primary variable was use of DAP. Categorical and quantitative variables were analyzed by means of the chi-squared test and non-parametric tests, respectively. RESULTS The survey was sent to 375 healthcare professionals, 215 of whom responded (57.3% response rate), with 46% of these respondents declaring that they had used DAP in routine practice before the RCT started (66.6% afterwards), mostly (91.5%) for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), followed by urinary infections (45.1%). Regarding DAP use for RTIs, the most frequent conditions were pharyngotonsillitis (88.7%), acute bronchitis (62.7%), mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (59.9%), sinusitis (51.4%), and acute otitis media (45.1%). Most respondents considered that DAP reduced emergency visits (85.4%), scheduled visits (79%) and inappropriate antibiotic use (73.7%) and most also perceived patients to be generally satisfied with the DAP approach (75.6%). Having participated or not in the DAP RCT (74.1% versus 46.2%; p < 0.001), having previously used or not used DAP (86.8% versus 44.2%; p < 0.001), and being a physician versus being a nurse (81.8% versus 18.2%; p < 0.001) were factors that reflected significantly higher rates of DAP use. CONCLUSIONS The majority of primary healthcare professionals in Spain do not use DAP. Those who use DAP believe that it reduces primary care visits and inappropriate antibiotic use, while maintaining patient satisfaction. Given the limited use of DAP in our setting, and given that its use is mainly limited to RTIs, DAP has considerable potential in terms of its implementation in routine practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma Mas Dalmau
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Gich Saladich
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez García
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carl Llor
- Via Roma Primary Care Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Taib BG, Abbas JR, Earnshaw CH, Veitch J, Selwyn DM, Lau AS. BeSMART2: What is the Best Supportive Management for Adults Referred with Tonsillopharyngitis? Our experience surveying the attitudes of 80 patients and professionals. Clin Otolaryngol 2018; 43:1613-1617. [PMID: 30022621 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal G Taib
- Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Mersey ENT Research Collaborative (MERC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Jonathan R Abbas
- Mersey ENT Research Collaborative (MERC), Liverpool, UK.,Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - Charles H Earnshaw
- Mersey ENT Research Collaborative (MERC), Liverpool, UK.,Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jessica Veitch
- Mersey ENT Research Collaborative (MERC), Liverpool, UK.,Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Andrew S Lau
- Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Mersey ENT Research Collaborative (MERC), Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Piltcher OB, Kosugi EM, Sakano E, Mion O, Testa JRG, Romano FR, Santos MCJ, Di Francesco RC, Mitre EI, Bezerra TFP, Roithmann R, Padua FG, Valera FCP, Lubianca Neto JF, Sá LCB, Pignatari SSN, Avelino MAG, Caixeta JADS, Anselmo-Lima WT, Tamashiro E. How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 84:265-279. [PMID: 29588108 PMCID: PMC9449220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial resistance burden has increased in the past years, mainly due to inappropriate antibiotic use. Recently it has become an urgent public health concern due to its impact on the prolongation of hospitalization, an increase of total cost of treatment and mortality associated with infectious disease. Almost half of the antimicrobial prescriptions in outpatient care visits are prescribed for acute upper respiratory infections, especially rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngotonsillitis. In this context, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in orienting patients and non-specialists in the utilization of antibiotics rationally and properly in these infections. OBJECTIVES To review the most recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, adapted to our national reality. METHODS A literature review on PubMed database including the medical management in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, followed by a discussion with a panel of specialists. RESULTS Antibiotics must be judiciously prescribed in uncomplicated acute upper respiratory tract infections. The severity of clinical presentation and the potential risks for evolution to suppurative and non-suppurative complications must be taken into 'consideration'. CONCLUSIONS Periodic revisions on guidelines and recommendations for treatment of the main acute infections are necessary to orient rationale and appropriate use of antibiotics. Continuous medical education and changes in physicians' and patients' behavior are required to modify the paradigm that all upper respiratory infection needs antibiotic therapy, minimizing the consequences of its inadequate and inappropriate use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otávio Bejzman Piltcher
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Macoto Kosugi
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eulalia Sakano
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Oftalmologia, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Olavo Mion
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina (FM), Disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Ricardo Gurgel Testa
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabrizio Ricci Romano
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina (FM), Otorrinolaringologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Hospital Infantil Sabará, Otorrinolaringologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Cesar Jorge Santos
- Hospital Paranaense de Otorrinolaringologia (IPO), Instituto Paranaense de Otorrinolaringologia, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renata Cantisani Di Francesco
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina (FM), Disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Ibrahim Mitre
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Freire Pinto Bezerra
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Departamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Otorrinolaringologia, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renato Roithmann
- Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Faculdade de Medicina, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Francini Greco Padua
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina (FM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Oftalmologia, Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Faibes Lubianca Neto
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio, Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia Pediátrica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Conrado Barbosa Sá
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino
- Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás (PUC-GO), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Wilma Terezinha Anselmo-Lima
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Oftalmologia, Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Edwin Tamashiro
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Oftalmologia, Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Spurling GK, Del Mar CB, Dooley L, Foxlee R, Farley R. Delayed antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 9:CD004417. [PMID: 28881007 PMCID: PMC6372405 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004417.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns exist regarding antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) owing to adverse reactions, cost, and antibacterial resistance. One proposed strategy to reduce antibiotic prescribing is to provide prescriptions, but to advise delay in antibiotic use with the expectation that symptoms will resolve first. This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in 2007, and updated in 2010 and 2013. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects on clinical outcomes, antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance, and patient satisfaction of advising a delayed prescription of antibiotics in respiratory tract infections. SEARCH METHODS For this 2017 update we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2017), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infection Group's Specialised Register; Ovid MEDLINE (2013 to 25 May 2017); Ovid Embase (2013 to 2017 Week 21); EBSCO CINAHL Plus (1984 to 25 May 2017); Web of Science (2013 to 25 May 2017); WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (1 September 2017); and ClinicalTrials.gov (1 September 2017). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials involving participants of all ages defined as having an RTI, where delayed antibiotics were compared to immediate antibiotics or no antibiotics. We defined a delayed antibiotic as advice to delay the filling of an antibiotic prescription by at least 48 hours. We considered all RTIs regardless of whether antibiotics were recommended or not. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Three review authors independently extracted and collated data. We assessed the risk of bias of all included trials. We contacted trial authors to obtain missing information. MAIN RESULTS For this 2017 update we added one new trial involving 405 participants with uncomplicated acute respiratory infection. Overall, this review included 11 studies with a total of 3555 participants. These 11 studies involved acute respiratory infections including acute otitis media (three studies), streptococcal pharyngitis (three studies), cough (two studies), sore throat (one study), common cold (one study), and a variety of RTIs (one study). Five studies involved only children, two only adults, and four included both adults and children. Six studies were conducted in a primary care setting, three in paediatric clinics, and two in emergency departments.Studies were well reported, and appeared to be of moderate quality. Randomisation was not adequately described in two trials. Four trials blinded the outcomes assessor, and three included blinding of participants and doctors. We conducted meta-analysis for antibiotic use and patient satisfaction.We found no differences among delayed, immediate, and no prescribed antibiotics for clinical outcomes in the three studies that recruited participants with cough. For the outcome of fever with sore throat, three of the five studies favoured immediate antibiotics, and two found no difference. For the outcome of pain related to sore throat, two studies favoured immediate antibiotics, and three found no difference. One study compared delayed antibiotics with no antibiotic for sore throat, and found no difference in clinical outcomes.Three studies included participants with acute otitis media. Of the two studies with an immediate antibiotic arm, one study found no difference for fever, and the other study favoured immediate antibiotics for pain and malaise severity on Day 3. One study including participants with acute otitis media compared delayed antibiotics with no antibiotics and found no difference for pain and fever on Day 3.Two studies recruited participants with common cold. Neither study found differences for clinical outcomes between delayed and immediate antibiotic groups. One study favoured delayed antibiotics over no antibiotics for pain, fever, and cough duration (moderate quality evidence for all clinical outcomes - GRADE assessment).There were either no differences for adverse effects or results favoured delayed antibiotics over immediate antibiotics (low quality evidence - to GRADE assessment) with no significant differences in complication rates. Delayed antibiotics resulted in a significant reduction in antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics prescription (odds ratio (OR) 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.05). However, a delayed antibiotic was more likely to result in reported antibiotic use than no antibiotics (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.59 to 4.08) (moderate quality evidence - GRADE assessment).Patient satisfaction favoured delayed over no antibiotics (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.06). There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between delayed antibiotics and immediate antibiotics (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.10) (moderate quality evidence - GRADE assessment).None of the included studies evaluated antibiotic resistance. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For many clinical outcomes, there were no differences between prescribing strategies. Symptoms for acute otitis media and sore throat were modestly improved by immediate antibiotics compared with delayed antibiotics. There were no differences in complication rates. Delaying prescribing did not result in significantly different levels of patient satisfaction compared with immediate provision of antibiotics (86% versus 91%) (moderate quality evidence). However, delay was favoured over no antibiotics (87% versus 82%). Delayed antibiotics achieved lower rates of antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics (31% versus 93%) (moderate quality evidence). The strategy of no antibiotics further reduced antibiotic use compared to delaying prescription for antibiotics (14% versus 28%). Delayed antibiotics for people with acute respiratory infection reduced antibiotic use compared to immediate antibiotics, but was not shown to be different to no antibiotics in terms of symptom control and disease complications. Where clinicians feel it is safe not to prescribe antibiotics immediately for people with respiratory infections, no antibiotics with advice to return if symptoms do not resolve is likely to result in the least antibiotic use while maintaining similar patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes to delaying prescription of antibiotics. Where clinicians are not confident in using a no antibiotic strategy, a delayed antibiotics strategy may be an acceptable compromise in place of immediate prescribing to significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for RTIs, and thereby reduce antibiotic resistance, while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction levels.Editorial note: As a living systematic review, this review is continually updated, incorporating relevant new evidence as it becomes available. Please refer to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the current status of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Kp Spurling
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4029
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gut-Gobert C. [Antibiotics during acute COPD exacerbations]. Rev Mal Respir 2017; 34:397-402. [PMID: 28495298 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Gut-Gobert
- Département de pneumologie et médecine interne, CHRU la Cavale-Blanche, 29609 Brest cedex 2, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mueller T, Östergren PO. The correlation between regulatory conditions and antibiotic consumption within the WHO European Region. Health Policy 2016; 120:882-9. [PMID: 27460523 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a global perspective, bacterial infections are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality; therefore, effective antibiotics are needed. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance due to irrational use has now become a serious public health problem. Hence, the objective of this study was to analyse the association of regulatory aspects with antibiotic consumption. METHODS A data set representing 20 countries throughout the WHO European Region was chosen based on data availability so as to analyse the correlation between specific regulatory conditions and antibiotic consumption, using total consumption data for 2011 and information about national provisions regarding rational use of medicines. Linear regression models were designed in order to evaluate individual aspects as well as the overall level of regulation. RESULTS A high level of regulation, assessed by an overall index, was significantly correlated with lower antibiotic consumption; however, of all individual items analysed, only the presence of Standard Treatment Guidelines for hospital care as well as paediatric conditions, the non-availability of antibiotics without a prescription, and the existence of training modules for pharmacists covering rational use of medicines gave significant results, i.e. lower use of antibiotics, when regarded in isolation. CONCLUSION Although national regulatory conditions intended to foster rational use of antibiotics seem to be correlated with antibiotic consumption, this association is potentially influenced by a wide range of contextual aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Mueller
- Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, SE-205 02 Malmö Sweden.
| | - Per-Olof Östergren
- Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, SE-205 02 Malmö Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cremonesi G, Cavalieri L. Efficacy and safety of morniflumate for the treatment of symptoms associated with soft tissue inflammation. J Int Med Res 2015; 43:290-302. [PMID: 25921871 DOI: 10.1177/0300060514567212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the management of pain in osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases is well documented. The role of NSAIDs is less clear in the treatment of conditions involving soft tissue inflammation, including the airways, ear-nose-throat (ENT) system and urogenital tract. These conditions are often treated inappropriately with antibiotics. Morniflumate, the ß-morpholinoethyl ester of niflumic acid, is a member of the fenamate family of NSAIDs indicated for the treatment of inflammatory conditions (with or without pain) affecting airways, the ENT system, urogenital tract and the osteoarticular system. Morniflumate has a 30-year history of clinical use, particularly for the treatment of pain associated with paediatric ENT infection. This article reviews evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of morniflumate. Based on available evidence and the favourable tolerability profile emerging from extensive clinical use, morniflumate appears to be a valid and well-tolerated alternative to other NSAIDs, or to antibiotics, for the treatment of pain and other symptoms of soft tissue inflammation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang S, Pulcini C, Rabaud C, Boivin JM, Birgé J. Inventory of antibiotic stewardship programs in general practice in France and abroad. Med Mal Infect 2015; 45:111-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|