Penicillins vs trimethoprim-based regimens for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and toxicity of semisynthetic penicillins (SSPs) (amoxicillin, ampicillin, pivampicillin) and trimethoprim-based regimens (trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine) in treating acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB).
DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify and extract data from relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
STUDY SELECTION: Only RCTs comparing penicillins with trimethoprim-based regimens for the treatment of patients with ABECB that reported data on effectiveness, toxicity, or mortality were considered eligible for this meta-analysis.
SYNTHESIS: Out of 134 RCTs identified in the search, 5 RCTs involving 287 patients were included in the analysis. There were no differences between patients with ABECB treated with SSPs and those treated with trimethoprim, alone or in combination with a sulfonamide, in treatment success (intention-to-treat patients: n = 262, odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-3.09; clinically evaluable patients: n = 246, OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.79-3.20) or number of drug-related adverse events in general (n = 186 patients, OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.11-1.24), frequency of diarrhea or skin rashes, or number of withdrawals due to adverse events (n = 179 patients, OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.07-1.03).
CONCLUSION: Based on limited evidence leading to wide CIs of the estimated…
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: 287 participants or records.
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