| 1. |
- Hartman, Esther A R, et al.
(author)
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Effect of a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections in frail older adults (ImpresU): pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial in four European countries.
- 2023
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In: BMJ (Clinical research ed.). - : BMJ. - 0959-535X .- 1756-1833. ; 380
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To evaluate whether antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections in frail older adults can be reduced through a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention.Pragmatic, parallel, cluster randomised controlled trial, with a five month baseline period and a seven month follow-up period.38 clusters consisting of one or more general practices (n=43) and older adult care organisations (n=43) in Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, from September 2019 to June 2021.1041 frail older adults aged 70 or older (Poland 325, the Netherlands 233, Norway 276, Sweden 207), contributing 411 person years to the follow-up period.Healthcare professionals received a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention consisting of a decision tool for appropriate antibiotic use, supported by a toolbox with educational materials. A participatory-action-research approach was used for implementation, with sessions for education, evaluation, and local tailoring of the intervention. The control group provided care as usual.The primary outcome was the number of antibiotic prescriptions for suspected urinary tract infections per person year. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications, all cause hospital referrals, all cause hospital admissions, all cause mortality within 21 days after suspected urinary tract infections, and all cause mortality.The numbers of antibiotic prescriptions for suspected urinary tract infections in the follow-up period were 54 prescriptions in 202 person years (0.27 per person year) in the intervention group and 121 prescriptions in 209 person years (0.58 per person year) in the usual care group. Participants in the intervention group had a lower rate of receiving an antibiotic prescription for a suspected urinary tract infection compared with participants in the usual care group, with a rate ratio of 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.68). No differences between intervention and control group were observed in the incidence of complications (<0.01 v 0.05 per person year), hospital referrals (<0.01 v 0.05), admissions to hospital (0.01 v 0.05), and mortality (0 v 0.01) within 21 days after suspected urinary tract infections, nor in all cause mortality (0.26 v 0.26).Implementation of a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention safely reduced antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections in frail older adults.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03970356.
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| 2. |
- Heinz, Judith, et al.
(author)
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Strategies to reduce antibiotic use in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care : protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis including individual patient data
- 2020
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 10:10
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women is a common reason to present in general practice and is usually treated with antibiotics to reduce symptom severity and duration. Results of recent clinical trials indicate that non-antibiotic treatment approaches can also be effective. However, it remains unclear which patients would benefit from antibiotic treatment and which can effectively and safely be treated without antibiotics. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the effect of treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use in comparison with immediate antibiotic treatment and to identify prognostic factors and moderators of treatment effects. A further aim is to identify subgroups of patients benefiting from a specific therapy.Methods and analysis: A systematic literature search will be performed to identify randomised controlled trials which investigated the effect of treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use in female adults with uncomplicated UTI compared with immediate antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the primary outcome of the meta-analysis is incomplete recovery. Anonymised individual patient data (IPD) will be collected. Aggregate data will be used for pairwise comparisons of treatment strategies using meta-analysis models with random effects accounting for potential between-study heterogeneity. Potential effect moderators will be explored in meta-regressions. For IPD, generalised linear mixed models will be used, which may be adjusted for baseline characteristics. Interactions of baseline variables with treatment effects will be explored. These models will be used to assess direct comparisons of treatment, but might be extended to networks.Ethics and dissemination: The local institutional review and ethics board judged the project a secondary analysis of existing anonymous data which meet the criteria for waiver of ethics review. Dissemination of the results will be via published scientific papers and presentations. Key messages will be promoted for example, via social media or press releases.
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| 3. |
- Heltveit-Olsen, Silje Rebekka, et al.
(author)
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Methenamine hippurate to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in older women: protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled trial (ImpresU)
- 2022
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Methenamine hippurate is a urinary antiseptic used as preventive treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some Scandinavian countries. However, the scientific evidence for the preventive effect and safety for longer-term use is limited. The aim of this study is to assess whether methenamine hippurate can reduce the incidence of UTIs in older women with recurrent UTIs. Methods and analysis The ImpresU consortium is a collaboration between Norway, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands. The study is a randomised, controlled, triple-blind phase IV clinical trial. Women ≥70 years with recurrent UTIs are screened for eligibility in a general practice setting. We aim to include 400 women in total, with 100 recruited from each collaborating country. The participants are randomised to treatment with methenamine hippurate 1 g or placebo tablets two times per day for a treatment period of 6 months, followed by a drug-free follow-up period of 6 months. The primary outcome is number of antibiotic treatments for UTIs during the treatment period. The secondary outcomes include number of antibiotic treatments for UTIs during the follow-up period and self-reported symptom of severity and duration of UTI episodes. Differences in complications between the treatment groups are measured as safety outcomes. We also aim to investigate whether strain characteristics or phylogenetic subgroups of Escherichia coli present in the urine culture at inclusion have a modifying effect on the outcomes. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approvals are obtained in all participating countries. The results will be communicated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04077580); EudraCT: 2018-002235-15.
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| 4. |
- Kaußner, Yvonne, et al.
(author)
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Reducing antibiotic use in uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women : a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
- 2022
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In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection. - : Elsevier. - 1198-743X .- 1469-0691. ; 28:12, s. 1558-1566
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigated analgesics, herbal formulations, delayed prescription of antibiotics, and placebo to prevent overprescription of antibiotics in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTI).Objectives: To estimate the effect of these strategies and to identify symptoms, signs, or other factors that indicate a benefit from these strategies.Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions: RCTs investigating any strategies to reduce antibiotics vs. immediate antibiotics in adult women with uUTI in primary care.Methods: We extracted individual participant data (IPD) if available, otherwise aggregate data (AD). Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis of the AD was used for pairwise comparisons. Candidate moderators and prognostic indicators of treatment effects were investigated using generalised linear mixed models based on IPD.Results: We analysed IPD of 3524 patients from eight RCTs and AD of 78 patients. Non-antibiotic strategies increased the rates of incomplete recovery (OR 3.0; 95% credible interval (CrI), 1.7–5.5; Bayesian p-value (pB) = 0.0017; τ = 0.6), subsequent antibiotic treatment (OR 3.5; 95% CrI, 2.1–5.8; pB = 0.0003) and pyelonephritis (OR 5.6; 95% CrI, 2.3–13.9; pB = 0.0003). Conversely, they decreased overall antibiotic use by 63%.Patients positive for urinary erythrocytes and urine culture were at increased risk for incomplete recovery (OR 4.7; 95% CrI, 2.1–10.8; pB = 0.0010), but no difference was apparent where both were negative (OR 0.8; 95% CrI, 0.3–2.0; pB = 0.667). In patients treated using non-antibiotic strategies, urinary erythrocytes and positive urine culture were independent prognostic indicators for subsequent antibiotic treatment and pyelonephritis.Conclusions: Compared to immediate antibiotics, non-antibiotic strategies reduce overall antibiotic use but result in poorer clinical outcomes. The presence of erythrocytes and tests to confirm bacteria in urine could be used to target antibiotic prescribing.
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| 5. |
- Neumark, Thomas, 1954-
(author)
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Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care with special emphasis on Acute Otitis Media
- 2010
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background and aims: Most respiratory tract infections (RTI) are self-limiting. Despite this, they are associated with high antibiotic prescription rates in general practice in Sweden. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) with particular emphasis on acute otitis media (AOM).Methods: Paper I: A prospective, open, randomized study of 179 children presenting with AOM and performed in primary care. Paper II & III: Study of 6 years data from primary care in Kalmar County on visits for RTI, retrieved from electronic patient records. Paper IV: Observational, clinical study of 71 children presenting with AOM complicated by perforation, without initial use of antibiotics.Results: Children with AOM who received PcV had some less pain, used fewer analgesics and consulted less, but the PcV treatment did not affect the recovery time or complication rate (I). Between 1999 and 2005, 240 445 visits for RTI were analyzed (II & III). Antibiotics were prescribed in 45% of visits, mostly PcV (60%) and doxycycline (18%). Visiting rates for AOM and tonsillitis declined by >10%/year, but prescription rates of antibiotics remained unchanged. For sore throat, 65% received antibiotics. Patients tested but without presence of S.pyogenes received antibiotics in 40% of cases. CRP was analyzed in 36% of consultations for RTI. At CRP<50mg/l antibiotics, mostly doxycycline, were prescribed in 54% of visits for bronchitis. Roughly 50% of patients not tested received antibiotics over the years.Twelve of 71 children with AOM and spontaneous perforation completing the trial received antibiotics during the first nine days due to lack of improvement, one child after 16 days due to recurrent AOM and six had new incidents of AOM after 30 days (IV). Antibiotics were used more frequently when the eardrum appeared pulsating and secretion was purulent and abundant. All patients with presence of S.pyogenes received antibiotics.Results: Children with AOM who received PcV had some less pain, used fewer analgesics and consulted less, but the PcV treatment did not affect the recovery time or complication rate (I). Between 1999 and 2005, 240 445 visits for RTI were analyzed (II & III). Antibiotics were prescribed in 45% of visits, mostly PcV (60%) and doxycycline (18%). Visiting rates for AOM and tonsillitis declined by >10%/year, but prescription rates of antibiotics remained unchanged. For sore throat, 65% received antibiotics. Patients tested but without presence of S.pyogenes received antibiotics in 40% of cases. CRP was analyzed in 36% of consultations for RTI. At CRP<50mg/l antibiotics, mostly doxycycline, were prescribed in 54% of visits for bronchitis. Roughly 50% of patients not tested received antibiotics over the years.Twelve of 71 children with AOM and spontaneous perforation completing the trial received antibiotics during the first nine days due to lack of improvement, one child after 16 days due to recurrent AOM and six had new incidents of AOM after 30 days (IV). Antibiotics were used more frequently when the eardrum appeared pulsating and secretion was purulent and abundant. All patients with presence of S.pyogenes received antibiotics.
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| 6. |
- Rystedt, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Is C-reactive protein associated with influenza A or B in primary care patients with influenza-like illness? A cross-sectional study.
- 2020
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In: Scandinavian journal of primary health care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7724 .- 0281-3432. ; 38:4, s. 447-53
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Identifying influenza A or B as cause of influenza-like illness (ILI) is a challenge due to non-specific symptoms. An accurate, cheap and easy to use biomarker might enhance targeting influenza-specific management in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate if C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with influenza A or B, confirmed with PCR testing, in patients presenting with ILI.Cross-sectional study.Primary care in Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.A total of 277 patients at least 1 year of age consulting primary care with ILI during seasonal influenza epidemics.Capillary blood CRP analysed as a point-of-care test and detection of influenza A or B on nasopharyngeal swabs in adults, and nasal and pharyngeal swabs in children using PCR.The prevalence of positive tests for influenza A among patients was 44% (121/277) and the prevalence of influenza B was 21% (58/277). Patients with influenza A infection could not be identified based on CRP concentration. However, increasing CRP concentration in steps of 10 mg/L was associated with a significantly lower risk for influenza B with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.42 (0.25-0.70; p<.001). Signs of more severe symptoms like shortness of breath, sweats or chills and dizziness were associated with higher CRP.There was no association between CRP and influenza A. Increased concentration of CRP was associated with a lower risk for having influenza B, a finding that lacks clinical usefulness. Hence, CRP testing should be avoided in ILI, unless bacterial pneumonia is suspected. Key points Identifying influenza A or B as cause of influenza-like illness (ILI) is a challenge due to non-specific symptoms. There was no association between concentration of CRP and influenza A. Increased concentration of CRP was associated with a lower risk for having influenza B, a finding that lacks clinical usefulness. A consequence is that CRP testing should be avoided in ILI, unless bacterial pneumonia or similar is suspected.
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| 7. |
- Vik, Ingvild, et al.
(author)
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Ibuprofen versus mecillinam for uncomplicated cystitis - a randomized controlled trial study protocol
- 2014
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In: BMC Infectious Diseases. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2334. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Although uncomplicated cystitis is often self-limiting, most such patients will be prescribed antibiotic treatment. We are investigating whether treatment of cystitis with an NSAID is as effective as an antibiotic in achieving symptomatic resolution. Methods/Design: This is a randomized, controlled, double blind trial following the principles of Good Clinical Practice. Women between the ages of 18 to 60 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated cystitis are screened for eligibility. 500 women from four sites in Norway, Sweden and Denmark are allocated to treatment with 600 mg ibuprofen three times a day or 200 mg mecillinam three times a day for three days. Allocation is conducted using block randomization. The primary outcome is the number of patients who feel cured by day four as recorded in a diary. Adverse events will be handled and reported in accordance with Good Clinical Practice. Discussion: If treatment of uncomplicated cystitis with ibuprofen is as effective as mecillinam for symptom relief, we can potentially reduce the use of antibiotics on a global scale.
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