The effects of adding quinolones to beta-lactam antibiotics for sepsis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sepsis is common, deadly, and a major challenge to treat. Quinolones added to beta-lactam antibiotics are currently recommended as a second-line empiric regimen in sepsis, but the evidence regarding their benefits and harms is unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefits and harms of adding quinolones to standard care for sepsis.
DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, SCI-Expanded, and BIOSIS.
STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of adding any quinolone to standard care for children and adults with sepsis.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by GRADE.
RESULTS: We included three trials randomizing 995 adults. All trials were at overall "high risk of bias." All trials compared a quinolone (moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin) and a beta-lactam antibiotic versus the same beta-lactam antibiotic. We found no evidence of an effect of adding quinolones to beta-lactam antibiotics when assessing all-cause mortality (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.33; 2 trials; 915 participants; very low certainty of evidence) and serious adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.50; 977 participants; two trials; very low certainty of evidence). No trials reported on quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS: The effects of adding quinolones…
How strong is the evidence?
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: 995 participants or records.
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