E-DRUG: UK Considers Antibiotics Study (2)
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[Dr Mike Thomas, one of the authors, sent us the original reference of where
it will be published:
Community-acquired pneumonia mortality: a potential link to antibiotic
prescribing trends in general practice. Price D et al. Resp Med
2004:98;17-24. See:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WWS-49V3GHS-1&_us
er=10&_handle=W-WA-A-A-AB-MsSAYZA-UUW-AUDWDZYBBB-AZZUABVZB-AB-U&_fmt=summary
&_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2004&_rdoc=3&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc%237138%232004%2
3999019998%23473209!&_cdi=7138&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersio
n=0&_userid=10&md5=fe21cdd76f67b1ea1abe9fffeb7657ae
[repair URL!]
Below a first E-drugreaction. WB]
Dear E-druggers,
Some thoughts to share on the subject.
Is consideration for the non-prescribing of an antibiotic in itself
sufficient in assesssing the cause of mortality?
Other factors - correct differential diagnosis between an URTI vs a LRTI,
secondary infections, nutritional status, other comorbidities and age do
play a part in the judicious use of an antibiotic.
A viral URTI may be self limiting in a healthy individual whilst in an aged
patient with co-morbidities, the viral may lead to secondary infections
requiring a differnt STG with the use of an antibiotic.
A study of the data for the deaths may shed more light on the cause of
deaths.
A review of a STG coupled with training at all levels of healthcare may be
needed to effect the correct the use of antibiotics.