M-A | Comparison of a short vs. long-course antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia

Summary:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to compare the rates of recurrence and relapse of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) between short-course (≤8 days) and long-course (≥10-15 days) antibiotic therapy strategies. Five relevant studies involving 1069 patients were identified.

Compared to long-course therapy, short-course therapy increased the number of antibiotic-free days without any impact on recurrence and relapses of VAP, 28 days mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, number of extra-pulmonary infections, and length of ICU stay.

However, the study’s limitations, such as the small sample size and the lack of standardized definitions of the assessed outcomes, should be considered when interpreting the results.

Article: Comparison of a short versus long-course antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – eClinicalMedicine

Commentary: Study finds benefits in short-course antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia – CIDRAP