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Kien C, Daxenbichler J, Titscher V, Baenziger J, Klingenstein P, Naef R, Klerings I, Clack L, Fila J, Sommer I. Effectiveness of de-implementation of low-value healthcare practices: an overview of systematic reviews. Implement Sci 2024; 19:56. [PMID: 39103927 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-024-01384-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing low-value care (LVC) is crucial to improve the quality of patient care while increasing the efficient use of scarce healthcare resources. Recently, strategies to de-implement LVC have been mapped against the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation of strategies. However, such strategies' effectiveness across different healthcare practices has not been addressed. This overview of systematic reviews aimed to investigate the effectiveness of de-implementation initiatives and specific ERIC strategy clusters. METHODS We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Epistemonikos.org and Scopus (Elsevier) from 1 January 2010 to 17 April 2023 and used additional search strategies to identify relevant systematic reviews (SRs). Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts against a priori-defined criteria, assessed the SR quality and extracted pre-specified data. We created harvest plots to display the results. RESULTS Of 46 included SRs, 27 focused on drug treatments, such as antibiotics or opioids, twelve on laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging and seven on other healthcare practices. In categorising de-implementation strategies, SR authors applied different techniques: creating self-developed strategies (n = 12), focussing on specific de-implementation strategies (n = 14) and using published taxonomies (n = 12). Overall, 15 SRs provided evidence for the effectiveness of de-implementation interventions to reduce antibiotic and opioid utilisation. Reduced utilisation, albeit inconsistently significant, was documented in the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, as well as in laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. Strategies within the adapt and tailor to context, develop stakeholder interrelationships, and change infrastructure and workflow ERIC clusters led to a consistent reduction in LVC practices. CONCLUSION De-implementation initiatives were effective in reducing medication usage, and inconsistent significant reductions were observed for LVC laboratory tests and imaging. Notably, de-implementation clusters such as change infrastructure and workflow and develop stakeholder interrelationships emerged as the most encouraging avenues. Additionally, we provided suggestions to enhance SR quality, emphasising adherence to guidelines for synthesising complex interventions, prioritising appropriateness of care outcomes, documenting the development process of de-implementation initiatives and ensuring consistent reporting of applied de-implementation strategies. REGISTRATION OSF Open Science Framework 5ruzw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kien
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria.
| | - Julia Daxenbichler
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Viktoria Titscher
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Julia Baenziger
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Universitätstrasse 84, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Klingenstein
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Rahel Naef
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Universitätstrasse 84, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
- Centre of Clinical Nursing Science, University Hospital of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irma Klerings
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Lauren Clack
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Universitätstrasse 84, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Julian Fila
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Isolde Sommer
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems (Danube University Krems), Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
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Llor C, Plate A, Bjerrum L, Gentile I, Melbye H, Staiano A, van Hecke O, Verbakel JY, Hopstaken R. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in primary care-broader implementation needed to combat antimicrobial resistance. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1397096. [PMID: 39100952 PMCID: PMC11294078 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study presents the perspective of an international group of experts, providing an overview of existing models and policies and guidance to facilitate a proper and sustainable implementation of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing (CRP POCT) to support antibiotic prescribing decisions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) with the aim to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR threatens to render life-saving antibiotics ineffective and is already costing millions of lives and billions of Euros worldwide. AMR is strongly correlated with the volume of antibiotics used. Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, mostly for RTIs, and are often unnecessary. CRP POCT is an available tool and has been proven to safely and cost-effectively reduce antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care. Though established in a few European countries during several years, it has still not been implemented in many European countries. Due to the complexity of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing behavior, a multifaceted approach is necessary to enable sustainable change. The effect is maximized with clear guidance, advanced communication training for primary care physicians, and delayed antibiotic prescribing strategies. CRP POCT should be included in professional guidelines and implemented together with complementary strategies. Adequate reimbursement needs to be provided, and high-quality, and primary care-friendly POCT organization and performance must be enabled. Data gathering, sharing, and discussion as incentivization for proper behaviors should be enabled. Public awareness should be increased, and healthcare professionals' awareness and understanding should be ensured. Impactful use is achieved when all stakeholders join forces to facilitate proper implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Llor
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Via Roma Health Center, Catalonian Institute of Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Plate
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Bjerrum
- Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Hasse Melbye
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Oliver van Hecke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- LUHTAR, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academisch Centrum voor Huisartsgeneeskunde, Leuven & NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rogier Hopstaken
- GP Practice De Kuil, Hapert, Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Lapi F, Marconi E, Rossi A, Lagolio E, Concia E, Cricelli C. The use of C-reactive protein testing and antibiotic prescribing in Italy: A population-based study in primary care. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024:e16166. [PMID: 38922983 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Testing serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can help determine whether there is a need for antibiotics and can limit prescribing of antibiotics for illnesses that are likely viral or non-infectious in origin. Using Health Search, an Italian primary care database, we identified all patients, aged 15 years or older, being registered in the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019 and newly diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) or COPD- or asthma-related exacerbations. From the date of these diagnoses, patients were followed up until occurrence of antibiotic prescription (for these indications) up to 31 December 2019. The association between the CRP testing and the outcome was investigated using a nested case-control analysis. In a cohort of 469 684 patients being diagnosed for URTI (83%), COPD- (11%) and asthma (7%)-related exacerbations, 28 688 (6.11%) were prescribed with antibiotics because of the aforementioned indications. Of note, 98% of cases, nominally those prescribed with antibiotics, were not tested with CRP. However, those receiving antibiotics were more likely to have been previously tested for CRP than controls who did not receive antibiotics (833/28 601 [3%] and 4128/277 968 [1.5%]; OR 2.0 [95% CI: 1.8-2.1]). Our findings indicate that most of the antibiotic prescriptions for the investigated conditions were given without any prior CRP testing. A small minority of GPs did properly use CRP to determine whether antibiotics were needed. Further guidance is needed in Italy on the use of CRP in guiding antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lapi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Ettore Marconi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Erik Lagolio
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Ercole Concia
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Cricelli
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
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Llor C, Trapero-Bertran M, Sisó-Almirall A, Monfà R, Abellana R, García-Sangenís A, Moragas A, Morros R. Effects of C-reactive protein rapid testing and communication skills training on antibiotic prescribing for acute cough. A cluster factorial randomised controlled trial. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2024; 34:9. [PMID: 38724543 PMCID: PMC11081949 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-024-00368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This cluster randomised clinical trial carried out in 20 primary care centres in Barcelona was aimed at assessing the effect of a continuous intervention focused on C-reactive protein (CRP) rapid testing and training in enhanced communication skills (ECS) on antibiotic consumption for adults with acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The interventions consisted of general practitioners and nurses' use of CRP point-of-care and training in ECS separately and combined, and usual care. The primary outcomes were antibiotic consumption and variation of the quality-adjusted life years during a 6-week follow-up. The difference in the overall antibiotic prescribing between the winter seasons before and after the intervention was calculated. The sample size calculated could not be reached due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 233 patients were recruited. Compared to the usual care group (56.7%) antibiotic consumption among patients assigned to professionals in the ECS group was significantly lower (33.9%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.38, 95% CI 0.15-0.94, p = 0.037), whereas patients assigned to CRP consumed 43.8% of antibiotics (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.29-1.68, p = 0.429) and 38.4% in the combined intervention group (aOR 0.45, 95% CI, 0.17-1.21; p = 0.112). The overall antibiotic prescribing rates in the centres receiving training were lower after the intervention compared to those assigned to usual care, with significant reductions in β-lactam rates. Patient recovery was similar in all groups. Despite the limited power due to the low number of patients included, we observed that continuous training achieved reductions in antibiotic consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Llor
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Research Unit for General Practice. Department of Public Health. University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Marta Trapero-Bertran
- Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Law, Economics and Tourism, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Antoni Sisó-Almirall
- Catalan Society of Family Medicine (CAMFiC). Fundació d'Atenció Primària, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Monfà
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain.
- Plataforma SCReN, UIC IDIAPJGol, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain.
| | - Rosa Abellana
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana García-Sangenís
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Ana Moragas
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Jaume I Health Centre, Institut Català de la Salut, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Rosa Morros
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Plataforma SCReN, UIC IDIAPJGol, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
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Smedemark SA, Laursen CB, Jarbøl DE, Rosenvinge FS, Andersen-Ranberg K. Improving diagnostics using extended point-of-care testing during in-home assessments of older adults with signs of emerging acute disease: a prospective observational non-randomised pilot and feasibility study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:373. [PMID: 38664633 PMCID: PMC11046810 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04914-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed recognition of acute disease among older adults hinders timely management and increases the risk of hospital admission. Point-of-Care testing, including Focused Lung Ultrasound (FLUS) and in-home analysis of biological material, may support clinical decision-making in suspected acute respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to pilot test the study design for a planned randomised trial, investigate whether in-home extended use of point-of-care testing is feasible, and explore its' potential clinical impact. METHODS A non-randomised pilot and feasibility study was conducted during September-November 2021 in Kolding Municipality, Denmark. A FLUS-trained physician accompanied an acute community nurse on home-visits to citizens aged 65 + y with signs of acute respiratory disease. The acute community nurses did a clinical assessment (vital signs, capillary C-reactive protein and haemoglobin) and gave a presumptive diagnosis. Subsequently, the physician performed FLUS, venipuncture with bedside analysis (electrolytes, creatinine, white blood cell differential count), nasopharyngeal swab (PCR for upper respiratory pathogens), and urine samples (flow-cytometry). Primary outcomes were feasibility of study design and extended point-of-care testing; secondary outcome was the potential clinical impact of extended point-of-care testing. RESULTS One hundred consecutive individuals were included. Average age was 81.6 (SD ± 8.4). Feasibility of study design was acceptable, FLUS 100%, blood-analyses 81%, PCR for upper respiratory pathogens 79%, and urine flow-cytometry 4%. In addition to the acute community nurse's presumptive diagnosis, extended point-of-care testing identified 34 individuals with a condition in need of further evaluation by a physician. CONCLUSION Overall, in-home assessments with extended point-of-care testing are feasible and may aid to identify and handle acute diseases in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Aas Smedemark
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Kløvervænget 2D, Indgang 112, 7. Sal, Odense, 5000, Denmark.
| | - Christian B Laursen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Kløvervænget 2D, Indgang 112, 7. Sal, Odense, 5000, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Flemming S Rosenvinge
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karen Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Kløvervænget 2D, Indgang 112, 7. Sal, Odense, 5000, Denmark
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6
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Smedemark SA, Laursen CB, Jarbøl DE, Rosenvinge FS, Andersen-Ranberg K. Extended use of point-of-care technology versus usual care for in-home assessment by acute community nurses in older adults with signs of potential acute respiratory disease: an open-label randomised controlled trial protocol. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:161. [PMID: 38365595 PMCID: PMC10870485 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04774-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to ageing-related physiological changes, diagnosing older adults is challenging. Delayed disease recognition may lead to adverse health outcomes and increased hospitalisation, necessitating the development of new initiatives for timely diagnosis and treatment of older adults. Point-of-care technology, such as focused lung ultrasound scan and bedside analysis of blood samples (leucocytes with differential count, electrolytes, and creatinine) conducted in the patients' home, may support clinical decision-making, and potentially reduce acute hospital admissions. We present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial, which aims at assessing the effect of focused lung ultrasound scan and bedside blood analysis during in-home assessments among older adults with signs of potential acute respiratory disease on hospital admissions. METHOD We will use a parallel open-label, individually randomised controlled trial design in an acute community healthcare setting. The trial will initiate on October 2022 and is expected to end one year later. The study population will include older adults (65 + year), with at least one of the following inclusion criteria: Cough, dyspnoea, fever, fall, or rapid functional decline. Expected study sample will comprise 632 participants. Participants in the control group will receive usual care, while the intervention group will undergo extended point-of-care technology (focused lung ultrasound scan and bedside venous blood analysis), in addition to usual care. The primary outcome is acute hospital admission within 30 days follow-up. Secondary outcomes include readmissions, mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital-free days, complications during hospital admission, treatment initiations or changes, functional level, re-referrals to the acute community healthcare service, and contacts to the primary care physician. A tertiary outcome is the diagnostic accuracy of Acute Community Nurses for conducting focused lung ultrasound compared with a specialist. Outcomes will be analysed as intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first randomised controlled trial examining the effect of extended use of point-of-care technology conducted in an in-home setting. We expect that the results may contribute to the development of new interventions aiming to improve timely diagnostics, treatment decisions, and reduce acute hospital admissions. TRIAL REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS org NCT05546073 (Date of registration: September 19th, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Aas Smedemark
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Christian B Laursen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense Respiratory Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Karen Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Isaeva E, Akylbekov A, Bloch J, Poulsen A, Kurtzhals J, Siersma V, Sooronbaev T, Aabenhus RM, Kjærgaard J. The Feasibility of C-Reactive Protein Point-of-Care Testing to Reduce Overuse of Antibiotics in Children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Rural Kyrgyzstan: A Pilot Study. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2024; 15:67-76. [PMID: 38371485 PMCID: PMC10874192 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s425095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Kyrgyzstan, the morbidity prevalence of and morbidity from acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in children is high. Local healthcare workers (HCW) often prescribe antibiotics that are not indicative due to a mix of professional and societal factors. It is suggested to precede with a decision on antibiotics by a point-of-care test (POCT) on the appropriateness of the treatment, eg, a measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP-guided antibiotic stewardship in children with ARTI has not previously been studied in Central Asia. Purpose This pilot study was conducted to examine the feasibility of the methods and procedures to be used in the upcoming randomised controlled COORDINATE clinical trial (NCT05195866) and in daily clinical practice in primary care. Patients and methods HCWs from three selected rural healthcare facilities were trained in the CRP POCT and in interpretation of results. Children aged 6 months to 12 years attending the primary healthcare facilities with respiratory symptoms were randomly assigned to CRP-guided management or standard care, guided by clinical findings only. Children were followed up for 14 days by scheduled telephone calls to caregivers. Results Eighty-one children participated in this pilot study. The CRP POCT and the trial procedures were acceptable to the target group as well as to the HCWs. Children from both groups recovered equally well, with an observed significant lower use of antibiotics in the CRP group. HCWs generally adhered to the CRP guidelines, and only once was an antibiotic prescribed despite low CRP results. No safety concerns were observed. Four parents provided wrong phone numbers impeding follow-up. We will collect all mobile phone numbers in the household for the main trial. Conclusion The pilot provided satisfactory results, suggesting that the COORDINATE trial of CRP POCT is effective, feasible with minor adjustments and without apparent safety concerns for the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Isaeva
- Allergology Department, National Centre of Maternity and Childhood Care (NCMCC), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Azamat Akylbekov
- Pulmonology Department, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine Named After Academician M. Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Joakim Bloch
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Talant Sooronbaev
- Pulmonology Department, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine Named After Academician M. Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Rune Munck Aabenhus
- Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Kjærgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Don-Wauchope AC, Rodriguez-Capote K, Assaad RS, Bhargava S, Zemlin AE. A guide to conducting systematic reviews of clinical laboratory tests. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:218-233. [PMID: 37531554 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical laboratory professionals have an instrumental role in supporting clinical decision making with the optimal use of laboratory testing for screening, risk stratification, diagnostic, prognostic, treatment selection and monitoring of different states of health and disease. Delivering evidence-based laboratory medicine relies on review of available data and literature. The information derived, supports many national policies to improve patient care through clinical practice guidelines or best practice recommendations. The quality, validity and bias of this literature is variable. Hence, there is a need to collate similar studies and data and analyse them critically. Systematic review, thus, becomes the most important source of evidence. A systematic review, unlike a scoping or narrative review, involves a thorough understanding of the procedure involved and a stepwise methodology. There are nuances that need some consideration for laboratory medicine systematic reviews. The purpose of this article is to describe the process of performing a systematic review in the field of laboratory medicine, describing the available methodologies, tools and software packages that can be used to facilitate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Don-Wauchope
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Ramy Samir Assaad
- Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Seema Bhargava
- Department of Biochemistry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Annalise E Zemlin
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch and National Health Laboratory Service, Belville, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa
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Christensen LD, Vestergaard CH, Keizer E, Bech BH, Bro F, Christensen MB, Huibers L. Point-of-care testing and antibiotics prescribing in out-of-hours general practice: a register-based study in Denmark. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:31. [PMID: 38262975 PMCID: PMC10804570 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing may reduce diagnostic uncertainty in case of suspicion of bacterial infection, thereby contributing to prudent antibiotic prescribing. We aimed to study variations in the use of point-of-care tests (C-reactive protein test, rapid streptococcal antigen detection test, and urine dipstick) among general practitioners (GPs) and the potential association between point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours general practice. METHODS We conducted a population-based observational register-based study, based on patient contacts with out-of-hours general practice in the Central Denmark Region in 2014-2017. The tendency of GPs to use point-of-care testing was calculated, and the association between the use of point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing was evaluated with the use of binomial regression. RESULTS Out-of-hours general practice conducted 794,220 clinic consultations from 2014 to 2017, of which 16.1% resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The GP variation in the use of point-of-care testing was largest for C-reactive protein tests, with an observed variation (p90/p10 ratio) of 3.0; this means that the GPs in the 90th percentile used C-reactive protein tests three times as often as the GPs in the 10th percentile. The observed variation was 2.1 for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 1.9 for urine dipsticks. The GPs who tended to use more point-of-care tests prescribed significantly more antibiotics than the GPs who tended to use fewer point-of-care tests. The GPs in the upper quintile of the tendency to use C-reactive protein test prescribed 22% more antibiotics than the GPs in the lowest quintile (21% for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 8% for urine dipsticks). Up through the quintiles, this effect exhibited a positive linear dose-response correlation. CONCLUSION The GPs varied in use of point-of-care testing. The GPs who tended to perform more point-of-care testing prescribed more antibiotics compared with the GPs who tended to perform fewer of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Keizer
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bro
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Pallon J, Sundqvist M, Hedin K. The use and usefulness of point-of-care tests in patients with pharyngotonsillitis - an observational study in primary health care. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:15. [PMID: 38184547 PMCID: PMC10770901 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) for Group A streptococci (GAS) and point-of-care tests for C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used in patients with pharyngotonsillitis in Sweden and Denmark although CRP testing is not supported by guidelines. We aimed to describe (1) the proportion of patients tested with RADT and/or CRP, (2) the relation between test results and antibiotic prescribing, and (3) the association between CRP level and microbial aetiology. METHODS We used a post-hoc-analysis of data collected in primary health care in a prospective aetiological study of 220 patients 15-45 years old diagnosed with pharyngotonsillitis. The outcomes of RADTs and CRP tests were related to antibiotic prescribing and microbial aetiology. RESULTS A RADT was used in 94% of the patients. A CRP test was used in 50% of the patients but more commonly in those with a negative RADT (59%) than in those with a positive RADT (38%) (p = 0.005). Most (74%) CRP tests were used in patients with a negative RADT. Antibiotic prescribing differed greatly between patients with a positive RADT (96%) and patients with a negative RADT (17%) (p < 0.001). In patients with a negative RADT, there was a positive association between CRP value and antibiotic prescribing (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.07; p < 0.001). Patients with CRP values ≤ 30 mg/l were seldomly prescribed antibiotics. Patients with GAS in culture had the highest median CRP (46 mg/l), which was higher than in patients without GAS (8 mg/l; p < 0.001). However, the positive predictive value for GAS never exceeded 0.60 (95% CI 0.31-0.83) at the investigated CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS The widespread use of tests is a major deviation from national guidelines. Most CRP tests were used in patients with a negative RADT, suggesting a belief in the added value of a CRP test, and the CRP result seemed to influence antibiotic prescribing. However, as an aetiological test, CRP is not useful for predicting GAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Pallon
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Martin Sundqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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11
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Tan R, Kavishe G, Luwanda LB, Kulinkina AV, Renggli S, Mangu C, Ashery G, Jorram M, Mtebene IE, Agrea P, Mhagama H, Vonlanthen A, Faivre V, Thabard J, Levine G, Le Pogam MA, Keitel K, Taffé P, Ntinginya N, Masanja H, D'Acremont V. A digital health algorithm to guide antibiotic prescription in pediatric outpatient care: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:76-84. [PMID: 38110580 PMCID: PMC10803249 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02633-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Excessive antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance are major global public health threats. We developed ePOCT+, a digital clinical decision support algorithm in combination with C-reactive protein test, hemoglobin test, pulse oximeter and mentorship, to guide health-care providers in managing acutely sick children under 15 years old. To evaluate the impact of ePOCT+ compared to usual care, we conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in Tanzanian primary care facilities. Over 11 months, 23,593 consultations were included from 20 ePOCT+ health facilities and 20,713 from 20 usual care facilities. The use of ePOCT+ in intervention facilities resulted in a reduction in the coprimary outcome of antibiotic prescription compared to usual care (23.2% versus 70.1%, adjusted difference -46.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -57.6 to -35.2). The coprimary outcome of day 7 clinical failure was noninferior in ePOCT+ facilities compared to usual care facilities (adjusted relative risk 0.97, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.10). There was no difference in the secondary safety outcomes of death and nonreferred secondary hospitalizations by day 7. Using ePOCT+ could help address the urgent problem of antimicrobial resistance by safely reducing antibiotic prescribing. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05144763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Tan
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Godfrey Kavishe
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lameck B Luwanda
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alexandra V Kulinkina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Renggli
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Chacha Mangu
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Geofrey Ashery
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Margaret Jorram
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Agrea
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Humphrey Mhagama
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alan Vonlanthen
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Faivre
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Thabard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gillian Levine
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Annick Le Pogam
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Taffé
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nyanda Ntinginya
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Staiano A, Bjerrum L, Llor C, Melbye H, Hopstaken R, Gentile I, Plate A, van Hecke O, Verbakel JY. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing and complementary strategies to improve antibiotic stewardship in children with acute respiratory infections in primary care. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1221007. [PMID: 37900677 PMCID: PMC10602801 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1221007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides the perspective of an international group of experts on the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) and complementary strategies such as enhanced communication skills training and delayed prescribing to improve antibiotic stewardship in the primary care of children presenting with an acute illness episode due to an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). To improve antibiotics prescribing decisions, CRP POCT should be considered to complement the clinical assessment of children (6 months to 14 years) presenting with an ARTI in a primary care setting. CRP POCT can help decide whether a serious infection can be ruled out, before deciding on further treatments or management, when clinical assessment is unconclusive. Based on the evidence currently available, a CRP value can be a valuable support for clinical reasoning and facilitate communication with patients and parents, but the clinical assessment should prevail when making a therapy or referral decision. Nearly half of children tested in the primary care setting can be expected to have a CRP value below 20 mg/l, in which case it is strongly suggested to avoid prescribing antibiotics when the clinical assessment supports ruling out a severe infection. For children with CRP values greater than or equal to 20 mg/l, additional measures such as additional diagnostic tests, observation time, re-assessment by a senior decision-maker, and specialty referrals, should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lars Bjerrum
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carl Llor
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hasse Melbye
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Rogier Hopstaken
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andreas Plate
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD Cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academisch Centrum Voor Huisartsgeneeskunde, Leuven & NIHR Community Healthcare Medtech and IVD cooperative, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Last K, Simon A, Gärtner BC, Becker SL, Papan C. Attitudes of primary care physicians towards antimicrobial stewardship and the impact of a multi-part training course - a pilot study. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2023; 18:Doc24. [PMID: 38025891 PMCID: PMC10665713 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background A plethora of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs has been initiated during the past years, focusing on hospital settings. Primary-care physicians have seldom been addressed, although the majority of antibiotic prescriptions are issued for outpatients. We sought to investigate attitudes of primary-care physicians and the impact of a customized training course. Methods Primary-care physicians in southwest Germany were invited to a multi-part training course on AMS in the primary-care setting. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire about their attitude and factors that hinder them from implementing AMS or enable them to perform AMS. In addition, a knowledge assessment exam at the beginning and end of the training was conducted on selected infectious diseases/syndromes. Results In total, 36 primary-care physicians participated in the training course. The predominant age group was 51-60 years old (36%; 13/36). The majority, 23/35 (66%), indicated never having had AMS training, while 22/35 (63%) acknowledged partly implementing AMS activities in their daily routine. The primary barrier was lack of expertise, while the main motives were reducing antimicrobial resistance and optimizing patient care. The provision of guidelines was regarded as more important than feedback on their prescription behavior. Exam performance improved from the initial to the final exam on all topics. Conclusion Customized AMS training courses are a feasible and potentially complimentary tool to address antibiotic misuse in the primary-care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Last
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Arne Simon
- Pediatric Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Barbara C. Gärtner
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sören L. Becker
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Cihan Papan
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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14
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Plebani M. Why C-reactive protein is one of the most requested tests in clinical laboratories? Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:1540-1545. [PMID: 36745137 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein which is synthesized by the liver in response to the secretion of several inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). CRP was the first acute-phase protein to be described and adopted in clinical laboratories as an exquisitely sensitive systemic marker of inflammation and tissue damage. The measurement of CRP is widely used for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions, including sepsis, trauma, and malignancies. In the last decades, impressive advances in analytical methods (from qualitative to high-sensitivity assays), automation and availability of results in a short time, not only translated in an increasing demand for the right management of systemic inflammatory diseases, but also in evaluating subclinical inflammatory processes underlying atherothrombotic events. CRP measurement is one of the most requested laboratory tests for both the wide range of clinical conditions in which it may assure a valuable information and some analytical advantages due to the evidence that it is a "robust biomarker". Even recently, the measurement of CRP received new interest, particularly as a biomarker of severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it deserves further concern for improving demand appropriateness and result interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Plebani
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Galveston, USA
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15
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Greer RC, Althaus T, Dittrich S, Butler CC, Cheah PY, Wangrangsimakul T, Smithuis FM, Day NP, Lubell Y. The impact of C-reactive protein testing on treatment-seeking behavior and patients' attitudes toward their care in Myanmar and Thailand. HEALTHCARE IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS 2023; 11:11278. [PMID: 38332803 PMCID: PMC7615608 DOI: 10.4081/hls.2023.11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing can reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care patients with febrile and respiratory illness, yet little is known about its effects on treatment-seeking behavior. If patients go on to source antibiotics elsewhere, the impact of CRP testing will be limited. A randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of CRP testing on antibiotic prescriptions in Myanmar and Thai primary care patients with a febrile illness. Here we report patients' treatment-seeking behavior before and during the two-week study period. Self-reported antibiotic use is compared against urine antibacterial activity. Patients' opinions towards CRP testing were evaluated. Antibiotic use before study enrolment was reported by 5.4% while antimicrobial activity was detected in 20.8% of samples tested. During the study period, 14.8% of the patients sought additional healthcare, and 4.3% sourced their own antibiotics. Neither were affected by CRP testing. Overall, patients' satisfaction with their care and CRP testing was high. CRP testing did not affect patients' treatment-seeking behavior during the study period whilst modestly reducing antibiotic prescriptions. CRP testing appears to be acceptable to patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Greer
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Althaus
- The Department of Health Action, Monaco, Monaco
- Monaco Scientific Centre, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- FIND, global alliance for diagnostic, Geneva, Switzerland
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European-Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Clinical Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank M. Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nicolas P.J. Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Matthes A, Wolf F, Wilde E, Bleidorn J, Markwart R. Point-of-care measurement of C-reactive protein promotes de-escalation of treatment decisions and strengthens the perceived clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069453. [PMID: 37147098 PMCID: PMC10163444 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services (OEMS) provide healthcare for patients with non-life-threatening conditions in need for urgent care when outpatient practices are closed. We studied the use of point-of-care-testing of C-reactive protein (CRP-POCT) at OEMS. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. SETTING Single centre OEMS practice in Hildesheim, Germany (October 2021 to March 2022). PARTICIPANTS OEMS physicians answering a questionnaire immediately after performing CRP-POCTs (CUBE-S Analyzer, Hitado) on any patients. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Impact of CRP-POCTs on clinical decision-making and perceived usefulness. RESULTS In the 6-month study period, 114 valid CRP-POCTs were performed in the OEMS practice by 18 physicians and the questionnaire was answered in 112 cases (response rate: 98.2%). CRP-POCTs were used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (60.0%), respiratory tract infections (17.0%), urinary tract infections (9.0%) and other non-gastrointestinal/non-specified infections (11.0%). The use of a CRP-POCT resulted in a change of the physicians' clinical decision in 83.3% of the cases. Specifically, in 13.6% and 35.1% of the cases, rapid CRP measurements led to decision changes in the (1) initiation of antimicrobial therapy and (2) other drug treatment, respectively. Notably, in 60% of all cases, the use of a CRP-POCT reportedly changed the decision on hospitalisation/non-hospitalisation of OEMS patients. In respect of antimicrobial therapy and hospitalisation, these decision changes primarily (≥73%) promoted 'step-down' decisions, that is, no antibiotic therapy and no hospital admission. In the great majority of CRP-POCT applications (≥95%), OEMS physicians reported that rapid CRP measurements increased the confidence in their diagnostic and therapeutic decision. In almost all cases (97%), physicians rated the CRP-POCT use as useful in the treatment situation. CONCLUSION Quantitative CRP-POCT promotes step-down clinical decisions and strengthens the clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours OEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Matthes
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Wolf
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Elmar Wilde
- Practice Network HilMed Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Jutta Bleidorn
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Robby Markwart
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, Jena, Germany
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Isaeva E, Bloch J, Poulsen A, Kurtzhals J, Reventlow S, Siersma V, Akylbekov A, Sooronbaev T, Munck Aabenhus R, Kjærgaard J. C reactive protein-guided prescription of antibiotics for children under 12 years with respiratory symptoms in Kyrgyzstan: protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial with 14 days follow-up. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066806. [PMID: 37041063 PMCID: PMC10106039 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While lower respiratory tract infections are the main cause of death for children under 5 globally, only a small proportion of children with respiratory tract infections need antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics globally is leading to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance. In Kyrgyzstan, healthcare workers regularly prescribe antibiotics when clinical uncertainty is present to err on the side of caution. Targeting antibiotic use with biomarkers of inflammation such as C reactive protein (CRP) testing at the point-of-care test (POCT) has been shown to reduce antibiotic use in general, but only few studies have been done in children and no studies exist from Central Asia. This study aims to assess whether the use of a CRP POCT can safely decrease prescription of antibiotics for children with acute respiratory symptoms in primary level healthcare centres in Kyrgyzstan. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Multicentre, open-label, individually randomised, controlled clinical trial with 14 days follow-up (follow-up by phone on days 3, 7 and 14) in rural lowland Chui and highland Naryn regions of Kyrgyzstan. The population are children aged 6 months to 12 years attending the primary level healthcare centres during normal business hours with acute respiratory symptoms. CRP POCT equipment will be supplied to healthcare centres, along with a short training session in CRP use, including the interpretation of results to support the clinical evaluation of the child with acute respiratory infection. The primary outcomes are the proportion of patients prescribed an antibiotic within 14 days of index consultation (superiority analysis) and days to recovery (non-inferiority analysis). Secondary outcomes are antibiotics prescribed at index consultation, reconsultations, hospital admission and vital status within 14 days. Analysis of the first primary outcome, antibiotic use, will be intention to treat using a logistic regression model. Analysis of the second primary outcome, days to recovery, will be per protocol using a linear regression model and a non-inferiority margin of 1 day. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved on 18 June 2021 by the Ethics Committee (ref: no. 1) of the National Centre of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The results of the study regardless of the conclusion will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals along with policy briefs and technical reports. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05195866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Isaeva
- Department of Allergology, National Centre of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Joakim Bloch
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Azamat Akylbekov
- Department of Pulmonology, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine named after academician Mirsaid Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Talant Sooronbaev
- Department of Pulmonology, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine named after academician Mirsaid Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Rune Munck Aabenhus
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Kjærgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Diagnosis of bacterial infection in children with relapse of nephrotic syndrome: a personalized decision-analytic nomogram and decision curve analysis. Pediatr Nephrol 2023. [PMID: 36867266 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-05915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections associated with nephrotic relapses (NR) are often managed according to physician preferences. A validated prediction tool will aid clinical decision-making and help in rationalizing antibiotic prescriptions. Our objective was to develop a biomarker-based prediction model and a regression nomogram for the prediction of the probability of infection in children with NR. We also aimed to perform a decision curve analysis (DCA). METHODS This cross-sectional study included children (1-18 years) with NR. The outcome of interest was the presence of bacterial infection as diagnosed using standard clinical definitions. Total leucocyte count (TLC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), quantitative C-reactive protein (qCRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were the biomarker predictors. Logistic regression was used to identify the best biomarker model, followed by discrimination and calibration testing. Subsequently, a probability nomogram was constructed and DCA was done to determine the clinical utility and net benefits. RESULTS We included 150 relapse episodes. A bacterial infection was diagnosed in 35%. Multivariate analysis showed the ANC + qCRP model to be the best predictive model. This model displayed excellent discrimination (AUC: 0.83), and calibration (optimism-adjusted intercept: 0.015, slope: 0.926). A prediction nomogram and web-application was developed. The superiority of the model was also confirmed by DCA in the probability threshold range of 15-60%. CONCLUSIONS An ANC-based and qCRP-based internally validated nomogram can be used for the prediction of probability of infection in non-critically ill children with NR. Decision curves from this study will aid in the decision-making of empirical antibiotic therapy, incorporating threshold probabilities as a surrogate of physician preference. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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