title: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and antibiotics: what studies are still needed?
abstract: The use of antibiotics in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECBs) remains the subject of controversy despite considerable medical and socioeconomic implications. First, the contribution of bacterial infection to AECBs is difficult to assess in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are chronically colonized with respiratory pathogens. In addition, several studies suggest a major role of viral infections in AECBs. Secondly, it is unlikely that all COPD patients will benefit from antibiotics during AECBs. In particular, the benefit in mild COPD remains uncertain. Unfortunately, the number of studies complying with evidence-based medicine requirements is too small for definite recommendations in AECBs to be drawn up. Considering the impact of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, as well as the community, and the impact of antibiotic therapy on the development of bacterial resistance, there is an urgent need for the design of appropriate multicentric studies to define the usefulness of this type of treatment in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary Section, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, University of Louvain, Belgium.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sohy
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pilette
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Niederman
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sibille
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D029481:Bronchitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015415:Biomarkers