Antibiotic selection patterns in acutely febrile new outpatients with or without immediate testing for C reactive protein and leucocyte count.
J Clin Pathol
; 58(7): 729-33, 2005 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15976341
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Excessive use of broad spectrum antibiotics is related to the spread of drug resistant bacterial strains in the community. AIM/METHODS:
The effects of immediate testing for C reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) on physicians' choices of antibiotic was investigated in patients with acute infection. Acutely febrile new outpatients were randomised into two groups group 1 (147 patients) underwent CRP and WBC testing before initial consultation (advance testing). Prescriptions were compared with those in group 2 (no advance testing; 154 patients).RESULTS:
In non-pneumonic acute respiratory tract infections, 61 (58%) and 122 (91%) of group 1 and 2 patients were prescribed antibiotics, respectively. Cefcapene pivoxil (third generation cephalosporin) and amoxicillin were the most frequently chosen drugs for group 1 and 2, respectively. Total prescriptions of newer, extended spectrum antibiotics (cefcapene pivoxil and clarithromycin (advanced macrolide)) were reduced by 25% in group 1, although they increased in rate (41 (67%) v 55 (45%) prescriptions) because of the decreased prescription of amoxicillin. In group 1, cefcapene pivoxil was preferentially selected when WBC values were greater than 9 x 10(9)/litre. Prescription shifted to macrolides (mainly clarithromycin) in patients without leucocytosis. Patient treatment outcome did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS:
The availability of CRP and WBC data during initial consultation greatly reduced prescription of amoxicillin, but had a lesser effect on newer, potent, broad spectrum antibiotics.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções Bacterianas
/
Padrões de Prática Médica
/
Proteína C-Reativa
/
Febre
/
Antibacterianos
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Pathol
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Japão