Delayed Antibiotics Prescription may Not Worsen respiratory tract infections: BMJ
Reducing unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibiotics is crucial to reduce antimicrobial resistance, particularly in primary care where antibiotics are most prescribed. A recent study suggests that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher-risk subgroups. The research has been published in the BMJ on April 28, 2021.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat acute respiratory tract infections, despite studies showing that antibiotics have, at best, modest effects. Guidelines recommend that the fewest number of antibiotic courses should be prescribed for the shortest period possible. However, antibiotics are still being overprescribed. Dr Beth Stuart and his team conducted a study to assess the overall effect of delayed antibiotic prescribing on average symptom severity for patients with respiratory tract infections in the community and to identify any factors modifying this effect.
It was a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis in which researchers searched for randomised controlled trials and observational cohort studies in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science. They included data of 55 682 patients from nine randomised controlled trials and four observational studies. The major outcome assessed was the average symptom severity two to four days after the initial consultation measured on a seven-item scale (ranging from normal to as bad as could be). Researchers also assessed the duration of illness after the initial consultation, complications resulting in admission to hospital or death, reconsultation with the same or worsening illness, and patient satisfaction rated on a Likert scale.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.