Best evidence topic report. Antibiotics in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A short cut review was carried out to establish whether antibiotics improve recovery in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. Altogether 200 papers were found using the reported search, of which four presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Ross
R
Murphy
Martin
M
McKechnie
Joel
J
Dunning
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents