Key result
Despite receiving a positive multiplex PCR result for respiratory viruses, 68% of patients continued to receive antibiotics as definitive treatment, indicating minimal impact on reducing antibiotic prescription.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to identify the correlation between the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections and the result of the polymerase chain reaction test for respiratory viruses.
Does a positive multiplex PCR result for respiratory viruses reduce antibiotic prescription in patients with acute respiratory infections?
Cross-Sectional (n=134)
No
Does a positive multiplex PCR result for respiratory viruses reduce antibiotic prescription in patients with acute respiratory infections?
Despite the availability of multiplex PCR confirming viral etiology in acute respiratory infections, a high proportion of patients inappropriately continue to receive antibiotic therapy.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: , approved in 2012 by the FDA. The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections and the result of the polymerase chain reaction test for respiratory viruses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is of a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive type. One-hundred and thirty-four patients who underwent a viral panel for respiratory viruses, which was positive for one or more viruses, were included. For all cases, the positive results of said test and the treatment received by patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the patients who underwent nasopharyngeal aspirate during hospitalization, 58 % received antibiotic treatment at admission, 13 % received combined treatment (antibiotic + antiviral), 27 % of the patients received symptomatic treatment since admission and 2 % did it with antivirals. After receiving a positive result for respiratory viruses, 38 % continued with antibiotics, 30 % with antibiotics and antivirals, 13.8 % were managed only with antivirals and 18.2 % with symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite the global alert regarding antimicrobial resistance, patients continue to be treated with antibiotics, due to a situation that we ignore, but that is believed to be influenced by several factors.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hernández-González et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Acute respiratory infections (n=134). Positive multiplex PCR result for respiratory viruses vs. Pre-test empirical treatment was evaluated on Proportion of patients receiving antibiotic treatment after a positive viral PCR result. Despite receiving a positive multiplex PCR result for respiratory viruses, 68% of patients continued to receive antibiotics as definitive treatment, indicating minimal impact on reducing antibiotic prescription.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: