Impact of C-reactive protein testing on adherence to thrice-daily antibiotic regimens in patients with lower respiratory tract infection.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have analysed adherence to antibiotic treatment in respiratory tract infections.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) testing on treatment adherence among patients aged 18 or over with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) treated with thrice-daily antibiotic regimens.


METHODS
Prospective study 2003 - 2008.


METHODS
Office-based physician practices.


METHODS
We compared patient adherence prior to the use of CRP testing (no CRP test was available prior to 2007) with adherence following CRP rapid testing for suspected bacterial infection in LRTIs. Patient adherence was assessed by electronic monitoring.


RESULTS
161 patients with LRTI were recruited. The percentage of container openings was 76.8 ± 17.4%. Adherence was significantly better when the CRP test was performed (83.3% vs. 74.4%; p < 0.01), as was 'good timing' adherence during at least 80% of the antibiotic course (32.6% vs. 16.9%; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Greater antibiotic treatment adherence is observed among patients with LRTI after CRP testing at the consultation prior to administration of antibiotic treatment.
Llor
Carl
C
Primary Care Centre Jaume I, Tarragona, Spain. carles.llor@urv.cat
Sierra
Nuria
N
Hernández
Silvia
S
Moragas
Ana
A
Hernández
Marta
M
Bayona
Carolina
C
Miravitlles
Marc
M
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002097:C-Reactive Protein