What are the effects of vitamin C on the duration and severity of the common cold? / ¿Cuál es el efecto del tratamiento con vitamina C en la duración y severidad del resfrío común?

INTRODUCTION: The common cold causes great morbidity throughout the world and there are no effective therapeutic agents against it. There is a belief that consuming vitamin C during a cold episode would help reduce duration and severity of symptoms. However, there is controversy about this claim. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified four systematic reviews that included eight primary studies overall, of which seven were randomized trials. We concluded vitamin C has minimal or no impact on the duration of common cold or in the number of days at home or out of work.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El resfrío común causa una gran morbilidad en todo el mundo y no se cuenta con agentes terapéuticos eficaces contra éste. Existe la creencia de que ingerir vitamina C durante un episodio de resfrío ayuda a disminuir la duración y severidad de los síntomas, sin embargo existe controversia respecto a esta afirmación. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron ocho estudios primarios, de los cuales siete son ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la vitamina C tiene un impacto mínimo o nulo en la duración del resfrío y en los días en casa o sin trabajar.

¿Cuál es el efecto del tratamiento con vitamina C en la duración y severidad del resfrío común? / What are the effects of vitamin C on the duration and severity of the common cold?

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: El resfrío común causa una gran morbilidad en todo el mundo y no se cuenta con agentes terapéuticos eficaces contra éste. Existe la creencia de que ingerir vitamina C durante un episodio de resfrío ayuda a disminuir la duración y severidad de los síntomas, sin embargo existe controversia respecto a esta afirmación. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron ocho estudios primarios, de los cuales siete son ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la vitamina C tiene un impacto mínimo o nulo en la duración del resfrío y en los días en casa o sin trabajar.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The common cold causes great morbidity throughout the world and there are no effective therapeutic agents against it. There is a belief that consuming vitamin C during a cold episode would help reduce duration and severity of symptoms. However, there is controversy about this claim. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified four systematic reviews that included eight primary studies overall, of which seven were randomized trials. We concluded vitamin C has minimal or no impact on the duration of common cold or in the number of days at home or out of work.

Viral aetiology of common colds of outpatient children at primary care level and the use of antibiotics.

Although antibiotics are ineffective against viral respiratory infections, studies have shown high rates of prescriptions worldwide. We conducted a study in Brazil to determine the viral aetiologies of common colds in children and to describe the use of antibiotics for these patients. Children up to 12 years with common colds were enrolled from March 2008-February 2009 at a primary care level facility and followed by regular telephone calls and medical consultations. A nasopharyngeal wash was obtained at enrollment and studied by direct fluorescence assay and polymerase chain reaction for nine different types of virus. A sample of 134 patients was obtained, median age 2.9 years (0.1-11.2 y). Respiratory viruses were detected in 73.9% (99/134) with a coinfection rate of 30.3% (30/99). Rhinovirus was the most frequent virus (53/134; 39.6%), followed by influenza (33/134; 24.6%) and respiratory syncytial virus (8/134; 13.4%). Antibiotic prescription rate was 39.6% (53/134) and 69.8% (37/53) were considered inappropriate. Patients with influenza infection received antibiotics inappropriately in a greater proportion of cases when compared to respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus infections (p = 0.016). The rate of inappropriate use of antibiotics was very high and patients with influenza virus infection were prescribed antibiotics inappropriately in a greater proportion of cases.

Viral aetiology of common colds of outpatient children at primary care level and the use of antibiotics

Although antibiotics are ineffective against viral respiratory infections, studies have shown high rates of prescriptions worldwide. We conducted a study in Brazil to determine the viral aetiologies of common colds in children and to describe the use of antibiotics for these patients. Children up to 12 years with common colds were enrolled from March 2008-February 2009 at a primary care level facility and followed by regular telephone calls and medical consultations. A nasopharyngeal wash was obtained at enrollment and studied by direct fluorescence assay and polymerase chain reaction for nine different types of virus. A sample of 134 patients was obtained, median age 2.9 years (0.1-11.2 y). Respiratory viruses were detected in 73.9% (99/134) with a coinfection rate of 30.3% (30/99). Rhinovirus was the most frequent virus (53/134; 39.6%), followed by influenza (33/134; 24.6%) and respiratory syncytial virus (8/134; 13.4%). Antibiotic prescription rate was 39.6% (53/134) and 69.8% (37/53) were considered inappropriate. Patients with influenza infection received antibiotics inappropriately in a greater proportion of cases when compared to respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus infections (p = 0.016). The rate of inappropriate use of antibiotics was very high and patients with influenza virus infection were prescribed antibiotics inappropriately in a greater proportion of cases.

Use of Cough and Cold Medications in Severe Bronchiolitis before and after a Health Advisory Warning against Their Use.

We compared the use of cough and cold medications in 2 multicenter studies of young children hospitalized with bronchiolitis before and after the 2008 Food and Drug Administration cough and cold medications advisory. Although cough and cold medication use decreased after the advisory, nearly 20% of children age 12-23.9 months with severe bronchiolitis received cough and cold medications.

The impact of pediatric labeling changes on prescribing patterns of cough and cold medications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of initiatives created by the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration to limit the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications (CCMs) in young children in emergency departments (EDs) and ambulatory clinics. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was performed comparing 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 in children aged ≤ 12 years with a reason for visit consistent with cough or cold-related symptoms. Data were stratified by age (<2 years, 2-6 years, and 6-12 years). Descriptive frequencies and survey-weighted χ(2) tests were used to assess OTC and prescription CCM prescription rates in ED and ambulatory clinic settings. RESULTS: Comparing 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 revealed no changes in ED use of OTC CCMs; however, the use of prescription CCMs decreased, from 6.7% to 2.9% (P = .001). In ambulatory clinics, the overall rate of OTC CCM use increased from 6.3% to 11.1% (P = .001); however, use by children aged <2 years was unchanged. Prescription CCM use in EDs declined in all age groups, but in ambulatory clinics, decreases were significant only in patients aged <2 years. CONCLUSION: Implementation of pharmaceutical industry and Food and Drug Administration initiatives did not decrease the use of OTC CCMs in children aged <2 years in EDs or ambulatory clinics. The use of prescription CCMs was decreased in both settings, however.

Symptomatic treatment of the common cold with a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The common cold and other viral airway infections are highly prevalent in the population, and their treatment often requires the use of medications for symptomatic relief. Paracetamol is as an analgesic and antipyretic; chlorphenamine is an antihistamine; and phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor and decongestant. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine in the symptomatic treatment of the common cold and flu-like syndrome in adults. METHODS: This study enrolled 146 individuals aged 18 to 60 years who had moderate to severe flu-like syndrome or common cold. After clinical examination and laboratory tests, individuals were randomly assigned to receive the fixed-dose combination (73) or placebo (73), five capsules per day for 48 to 72 hours. The primary efficacy endpoint was the sum of the scores of 10 symptoms on a four-point Likert-type scale. To evaluate treatment safety, the occurrence of adverse events was also measured. RESULTS: Mean age was 33.5 (±9.5) years in the placebo group and 33.8 (±11.5) in the treatment group. There were 55 women and 18 men in the placebo group, and 46 women and 27 men in the treatment group. Comparison of overall symptom scores in the two groups revealed a significantly greater reduction in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p = 0.015). Analysis at the first 13 dose intervals (± 66 h of treatment) showed a greater reduction of symptom scores in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). The number and distribution of adverse events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine was safe and more effective than placebo in the symptomatic treatment of the common cold or flu-like syndrome in adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01389518.

Prescribing patterns and safety of mezclitas for respiratory illnesses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prescribing patterns of compound mixtures of cough and cold liquid medications, known as mezclitas, which are prescribed to patients with respiratory illnesses in Puerto Rico. Secondary objectives include assessing the potential safety of these mixtures and patients' perception of them. METHODS: Using a cross sectional study approach, a convenience sample was obtained from five pharmacies in Puerto Rico, from October 2008 to October 2009. Patients were asked to complete a 9-item questionnaire about demographic information, in addition to their mezclita prescription data. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43 years with a range of less than 12 months to 101 years. For children < four years of age, 71% were prescribed cough and cold medications. Sixty-four percent of the prescriptions were given to females. The most prevalent ingredient employed was guaifenesin, which appeared in about 77% of the mezclitas. 'Common cold' was the principal diagnosis for 62% of the prescriptions, of which 75% of these prescriptions contained a corticosteroid and 17% contained a beta2 agonist bronchodilator. The top medical prescribing specialty was general medicine (51%). Thirty-eight percent of hypertensive patients were prescribed a decongestant. The majority of diabetic patients (60%) were dispensed a corticosteroid. Most (74%) patients reported that they had a rapid and good response to their mezclita. CONCLUSION: Mezclitas were most commonly prescribed for acute symptoms of upper respiratory illness by general physicians despite possible side effects. This study suggests that the prescription patterns of mezclitas do not always consider evidence-based medicine treatment guidelines.

Physicians’ responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru / Responsabilidad del médico en el uso de antibióticos en niños menores de 1 año de zonas periurbanas de Lima, Perú

Objetivo. Describir el uso de antibióticos en niños de 2 a 12 meses de edad en entornos donde estos medicamentos se pueden obtener sin prescripción. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de un estudio de cohorte efectuado entre septiembre del 2006 y diciembre del 2007 en 1 023 niños menores de 2 meses de la zonaperiurbana de Lima, Perú, cuyo seguimiento se realizó hasta el año de edad. Resultados. De los 1 023 niños, 770 (75,3%) tomaron 2 085 tandas de tratamiento antibiótico. Se registraron dos tandas por niño por año (rango 0–12). Las tasas más elevadas de uso de antibióticos se encontraron en los niños de 3 a 6 meses (37,2%). Los niños recibieron antibióticos para 8,2% de los resfriados comunes, 58,6% de las faringitis, 66,0% de las bronquitis, 40,7% de las diarreas, 22,8% de las dermatitis y 12,0% de las obstruccionesbronquiales. La prescripción de un médico fue la razón más frecuente para el uso de antibióticos (90,8%). Se comprobó el uso de medicamentos sin prescripción en 6,9% de los niños, y en 63,9% de ellos este fue precedido por una prescripción médica. Conclusiones. En el entorno estudiado, los niños menores de 1 año a menudo estánexpuestos a los antibióticos. El abuso de los antibióticos es frecuente ante enfermedades como faringitis, bronquitis, obstrucción bronquial y diarrea, pero por lo general es inadecuado (83,1% de las tandas de tratamiento antibiótico) según las etiologías más comunes en este grupo etario. Las intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar el uso de los antibióticos deben concentrarse en los médicos, ya que la prescripción médica fue la razón más común para el uso de antibióticos.

Objective. To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. Methods. Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. Results. Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0–12). Higher rates of antibiotic usewere found in children 3–6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8%of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician’s prescription. Conclusions. Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use.

[Clinical trial on the effect of buphenine, aminophenazone and diphenylpyraline hydrochloride in treating the common cold in children of 6 to 24 months of age]. / Ensayo clínico sobre el efecto de la bufenina, aminofenazona y el clorhidrato de difenilpiralina en el tratamiento del resfriado común en niños de seis a 24 meses de edad.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infections are the second leading cause of morbidity in children under 18 years. Several drugs have been used with variable efficacy and safety, trying to reduce the associated symptoms and improve quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of buphenine, aminophenazone and diphenylpyraline hydrochloride when compared with placebo for the control of symptoms associated with common cold in children 6-24 months of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized clinical trial, double blind, placebo controlled, in 100 children < 24 months of any gender, with symptoms associated to common cold. They received the drug under study vs. placebo for seven days. Both groups received acetaminophen. The change on common cold related symptoms were evaluated. Statistic analysis was made with STATA 11.0 for Mac. RESULTS: Fifty-three children were randomized to study drug and forty-seven to placebo. Age of children in each group was similar (12.2 +/- 5.8 months vs. 12.7 +/- 5.8 months, p NS). There were significant differences between groups in relation to rhinorrea and sneezing resolution, with better results in Flumil group and no adverse events observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this study indicates that Flumil is a safe and effective drug for control of symptoms present in the common cold in children aged 6-24 months.

Physicians' responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. METHODS: Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0-12). Higher rates of antibiotic use were found in children 3-6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8% of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician's prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician's prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician's prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use.

Limitations of maintenance therapy for viral respiratory infection-induced asthma.

In asthmatic children with persistent symptoms, maintenance therapy with nedocromil sodium, inhaled corticosteroids, or montelukast is associated with a decreased rate of asthma exacerbations. The greatest benefit is seen with use of regular inhaled corticosteroids in preschool- or school-age children, in whom asthma exacerbations, the need for rescue oral corticosteroids, unscheduled urgent medical visits, and hospitalizations are all decreased by approximately 50%. However, maintenance therapy is not beneficial in children with intermittent respiratory virus-induced wheezing without persistent symptoms.

Inappropriate antibiotic prescription to children with acute respiratory infection in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescription and to describe the types of antibiotics prescribed by health workers to children with acute respiratory infection (ARI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 6 state capitals of Brazil. METHODS: A representative sample of facilities was selected in each state using a cluster sampling method based on the mean number of visits of children less than 5 years of age. In each facility, consultations were observed and children were reassessed following standard guidelines. Health worker s diagnosis and treatment were compared with a gold standard and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions noted. RESULTS: 1565 children with ARI from 156 health facilities (73% health centers) were included in study. Most children had a common cold (77.5%). Antibiotics were inappropriately prescribed in 9.2% (95% CI: 7.8, 10.7) of ARI cases (range: 2.8% to 25%). Most frequently prescribed antibiotics were those recommended by the ARI Program. Seventy-six percent of health workers explained to guardians how to use antibiotics at home and 3.9% demonstrated the first dose. Antibiotics were available in 84% of health facilities. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics varied geographically in Brazil. More training and supervision is needed to decrease it.

Antibiotic prescribing for patients with colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis: A national study of hospital-based emergency departments.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Antibiotics are often used to treat viral upper respiratory tract infections, even though they are usually ineffective. However, frequent inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. This study used a national database to evaluate antibiotic use in treating upper respiratory tract infections in emergency departments. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 1996 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Antibiotic prescribing rates were examined for colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute bronchitis. Patients with comorbid conditions or secondary diagnoses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sinusitis, and HIV, were excluded. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess predictors of antibiotic use. RESULTS: Overall, there were an estimated 2.7 million ED visits for colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis by children and adults in 1996. Antibiotics were prescribed for 24.2% (95% CI 18.9, 29.5) of patients with common colds and upper respiratory tract infections and for 42.2% (95% CI 35.2, 49.2) of patients with bronchitis. There were no significant associations between antibiotic use and patient race, sex, Hispanic ethnicity, geographic location, or source of payment. Antibiotics were prescribed less often by interns or residents than by staff or other physicians (odds ratio 0.43; 95% CI 0.19, 0.98), and patients younger than 18 years were less likely to receive antibiotics than adults (odds ratio 0.32; 95% CI 0.20, 0.52). Smokers were 4.3 (95% CI 2.2, 8.3) times more likely to receive antibiotics than nonsmokers. CONCLUSION: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for ED patients with upper respiratory tract infections even though they are usually ineffective in otherwise healthy adults. Efforts should be made to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for the sake of containing costs, preventing side effects, and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.