Topical antibiotics for treating bacterial keratitis: a network meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infectious keratitis, commonly known as corneal infection, is a major cause of blindness, affecting approximately six million people globally and resulting in around two million cases of monocular blindness annually. The incidence varies widely worldwide, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries due to various risk factors, including agricultural injuries and other accidental trauma, limited access to health care, and low levels of health literacy. Bacterial keratitis (BK) is the most prevalent form in higher-income regions, contributing to significant morbidity and healthcare burden. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, BK can damage the cornea and result in corneal scarring, visual impairment and/or blindness. Broad-spectrum topical antibiotics remain the primary treatment, with regional microbiological profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns influencing therapeutic choices. However, in view of the substantial heterogeneity in clinical practice, the optimal choice of topical antibiotics for BK remains uncertain. Addressing this unanswered question may help inform current practice and improve the clinical outcomes of BK.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the benefits and harms of topical antibiotics for treating BK and to rank interventions by performing a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).
SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and two trials registries together with reference checking and contact…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,692 participants or records.
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