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Gemifloxacin for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Zhang L, Wang R, Falagas ME, Chen LA, Liu YN

Chinese medical journal, 2012

3,940 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of gemifloxacin for the treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB).

METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing gemifloxacin with other approved antibiotics. The PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, with no language restrictions.

RESULTS: Ten RCTs, comparing gemifloxacin with other quinolones (in 5 RCTs) and β-lactams and/or macrolides (in 5 RCTs), involving 3940 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the treatment success was higher for gemifloxacin when compared with other antibiotics (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.15 - 1.68 in intention-to-treat patients, and 1.33, 1.02 - 1.73 in clinically evaluable patients). There was no significant difference between the compared antibiotics regarding microbiological success (1.19, 0.84 - 1.68) or all-cause mortality (0.82, 0.41 - 1.63). The total drug related adverse events were similar for gemifloxacin when compared with other quinolones (0.89, 0.56 - 1.41), while lower when compared with β-lactams and/or macrolides (0.71, 0.57 - 0.89). In subgroup analyses, administration of gemifloxacin was associated with fewer cases of…

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: 3,940 participants or records.

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