The impact of empiric antimicrobial therapy with a β-lactam and fluoroquinolone on mortality for patients hospitalized with severe pneumonia

2005

Impact of Antibiotic Therapy on Mortality in Severe Pneumonia

Sample size: 172 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Eric M Mortensen, Marcos I Restrepo, Antonio Anzueto, Jacqueline Pugh

Primary Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Hypothesis

Does the use of a β-lactam with fluoroquinolone reduce mortality in patients hospitalized with severe community-acquired pneumonia compared to other therapies?

Conclusion

The use of initial empiric antimicrobial therapy with a β-lactam and a fluoroquinolone was associated with increased short-term mortality for patients with severe pneumonia compared to other recommended therapies.

Supporting Evidence

Mortality was 19.8% at 30 days.
30-day mortality was 30% for patients receiving a β-lactam with fluoroquinolone, significantly higher than other regimens.
The study used a multivariable logistic regression model to assess mortality.

Takeaway

Using a specific combination of antibiotics for severe pneumonia might actually make patients more likely to die, so doctors need to be careful about which antibiotics they choose.

Methodology

A retrospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary teaching hospitals, analyzing 30-day mortality in patients treated with different antibiotic regimens.