Comparison of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus placebo for uncomplicated skin abscesses.
Clinical question In patients with uncomplicated abscesses receiving incision and drainage, does the addition of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole result in improved clinical resolution at 7 to 14 days after treatment when compared with placebo? Article chosen Talan DA, Mower WR, Krishnadasan A, et al. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus placebo for uncomplicated skin abscess. N Engl J Med 2016;374(9):823-32.


OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical cure rates at 7 to 14 days after the end of the treatment period among patients receiving either trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or placebo. Secondary outcomes included composite cure; surgical drainage procedures; change in erythema size; presence of swelling, induration, or tenderness; invasive infections; skin infections at the same site and different sites; hospitalizations; similar infections in household contacts; days missed from normal activities; days missed from school or work; and days of analgesic use.
Department of Emergency Medicine,Rush University Medical Center,Chicago,IL.
Michael
M
Gottlieb
D000038:Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004322:Drainage; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010919:Placebos; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010919:Placebos; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
SSTI; abscess; antibiotics; infection; skin and soft tissue infection; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole