Antibiotics for COPD Exacerbations
Author Information
Author(s): Milo A Puhan, Daniela Vollenweider, Tsogyal Latshang, Johann Steurer, Claudia Steurer-Stey
Primary Institution: Horten Centre, University Hospital of Zurich
Hypothesis
When are antibiotics indicated for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Conclusion
Antibiotics do not significantly reduce treatment failures in outpatients with mild to moderate exacerbations of COPD.
Supporting Evidence
- 19 out of 57 patients experienced treatment failure with antibiotics.
- 28 out of 59 patients experienced treatment failure with placebo.
- Meta-regression revealed severity of exacerbation as a significant explanation for heterogeneity.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether antibiotics help people with COPD when they get worse. It found that antibiotics don't really help in most cases.
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing antibiotics and placebo for COPD exacerbations.
Limitations
The study had a high level of heterogeneity across trials.
Participant Demographics
Patients with mild to moderate and severe exacerbations of COPD.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.038
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.55–1.18
Statistical Significance
p = 0.038
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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