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Jacob T, Leshno M, Carmel-Neidermann NN, Kampel L, Warshavsky A, Mansour J, Assadi N, Muhanna N, Horowitz G. Antibiotics or Tonsillectomy for Adult Recurrent Tonsillitis: Analyzing the Lesser of Two Evils. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:2153-2161. [PMID: 37937815 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31139] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the best timing for surgical intervention for adults with recurrent tonsillitis (RT). METHODS A Markov model was constructed using variables and ranges based upon a literature review. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the number of yearly bouts at which each algorithm (antibiotics or tonsillectomy) would be favored. A Monte-Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis was calculated for gains and cost. Model outcomes were measured with quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for tonsillectomy versus repeat antibiotic treatment. RESULTS Patients expected to sustain a single annual tonsillitis event will have a negative QALY of 0.02 if treated with surgery and those with 2 annual events will have a QALY gain from undergoing tonsillectomy of 0.01, 3 events = 0.03, 4 events = 0.05, 5 events = 0.07, 6 events = 0.09, 7 events = 0.1, and 8 events = 0.11. These gains became meaningful only after 2 years of recurrent bouts. The average cost of tonsillectomy was 3,238 USD, and the overall average cost of RT was 7,069 USD (an incremental cost of 3,831 USD). The ICER of tonsillectomy over antibiotic treatment for 1 QALY gain was 44,741 USD. CONCLUSION Adult patients who sustain more than 3 annual bouts of tonsillitis over a period of at least 2 years will gain QALY after tonsillectomy. These gains increase proportionally to the number of yearly events and perennial episodes. The incremental costs of tonsillectomy fail to meet the NICE guidelines but are within other acceptable reference ranges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 134:2153-2161, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Jacob
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Leshno
- The 'Coller' School of Management, Tel-Aviv University, Both Affiliated to the Tel-Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Narin Nard Carmel-Neidermann
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liyona Kampel
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Anton Warshavsky
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Joubran Mansour
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nidal Assadi
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nidal Muhanna
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gilad Horowitz
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Cannon JW, Wyber R. Modalities of group A streptococcal prevention and treatment and their economic justification. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:59. [PMID: 37087467 PMCID: PMC10122086 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by group A Streptococcus (Strep A) results in a diverse range of clinical conditions, including pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, necrotising fasciitis, and rheumatic heart disease. In this article, we outline the recommended strategies for Strep A treatment and prevention and review the literature for economic evaluations of competing treatment and prevention strategies. We find that most economic evaluations focus on reducing the duration of illness or risk of rheumatic fever among people presenting with sore throat through diagnostic and/or treatment strategies. Few studies have evaluated strategies to reduce the burden of Strep A infection among the general population, nor have they considered the local capacity to finance and implement strategies. Evaluation of validated costs and consequences for a more diverse range of Strep A interventions are needed to ensure policies maximise patient outcomes under budget constraints. This should include attention to basic public health strategies and emerging strategies such as vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Cannon
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU College of Health & Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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3
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Vicentini C, Vola L, Previti C, Brescia V, Dal Mas F, Zotti CM, Bert F. Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies Including Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for Pediatric Patients with Upper-Respiratory-Tract Infections in Primary Care: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1139. [PMID: 36010008 PMCID: PMC9404955 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Upper-respiratory-tract infections (URTIs) are among the main causes of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric patients. Over one-third of all antibiotic prescriptions for URTIs in children are estimated to be inappropriate, as the majority of URTIs are caused by viral agents. Several strategies, including clinical scoring algorithms and different point-of-care tests (POCTs) have been developed to help discriminate bacterial from viral URTIs in the outpatient clinical setting. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines with the objective of summarizing evidence from health-economic evaluations on the use of POCT for URTIs in pediatric outpatients. A total of 3375 records identified from four databases and other sources were screened, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. Four studies were classified as being of high reporting quality, and three were of medium quality. Five out of eight studies concluded in favor of strategies that included POCTs, with an additional study finding several POCTs to be cost-effective compared to usual care but over an acceptable WTP threshold. This review found POCT could be a valuable tool for antimicrobial stewardship strategies targeted towards childhood URTIs in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Vicentini
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vola
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Christian Previti
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Brescia
- Department of Management, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Dal Mas
- Department of Management, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Cannaregio, 873, 30100 Venice, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Zotti
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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van der Pol S, Garcia PR, Postma MJ, Villar FA, van Asselt ADI. Economic Analyses of Respiratory Tract Infection Diagnostics: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:1411-1427. [PMID: 34263422 PMCID: PMC8279883 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic testing for respiratory tract infections is a tool to manage the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance. At the same time, new European regulations for market entry of in vitro diagnostics, in the form of the in vitro diagnostic regulation, may lead to more clinical evidence supporting health-economic analyses. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to review the methods used in economic evaluations of applied diagnostic techniques, for all patients seeking care for infectious diseases of the respiratory tract (such as pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, sinusitis, pharyngitis, sore throats and general respiratory tract infections). METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, articles from three large databases of scientific literature were included (Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed) for the period January 2000 to May 2020. RESULTS A total of 70 economic analyses are included, most of which use decision tree modelling for diagnostic testing for respiratory tract infections in the community-care setting. Many studies do not incorporate a generally comparable clinical outcome in their cost-effectiveness analysis: fewer than half the studies (33/70) used generalisable outcomes such as quality-adjusted life-years. Other papers consider outcomes related to the accuracy of the test or outcomes related to the prescribed treatment. The time horizons of the studies generally are limited. CONCLUSIONS The methods to economically assess diagnostic tests for respiratory tract infections vary and would benefit from clear recommendations from policy makers on the assessed time horizon and outcomes used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon van der Pol
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- UMCG, Sector F, afdeling Gezondheidswetenschappen, Simon van der Pol (FA10), Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paula Rojas Garcia
- Department of Economics and Business, University of La Rioja, Rioja, Spain
| | - Maarten J Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antoinette D I van Asselt
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fraser H, Gallacher D, Achana F, Court R, Taylor-Phillips S, Nduka C, Stinton C, Willans R, Gill P, Mistry H. Rapid antigen detection and molecular tests for group A streptococcal infections for acute sore throat: systematic reviews and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-232. [PMID: 32605705 DOI: 10.3310/hta24310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common condition caused by an infection of the airway. Most cases are of a viral nature; however, a number of these infections may be caused by the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Most viral and bacterial sore throat infections resolve spontaneously within a few weeks. Point-of-care testing in primary care has been recognised as an emerging technology for aiding targeted antibiotic prescribing for sore throat in cases that do not spontaneously resolve. OBJECTIVE Systematically review the evidence for 21 point-of-care tests for detecting group A Streptococcus bacteria and develop a de novo economic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care tests alongside clinical scoring tools with the cost-effectiveness of clinical scoring tools alone for patients managed in primary care and hospital settings. DATA SOURCES Multiple electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2019. The following databases were searched in November and December 2018 and searches were updated in March 2019: MEDLINE [via OvidSP (Health First, Rockledge, FL, USA)], MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (via OvidSP), MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print (via OvidSP), MEDLINE Daily Update (via OvidSP), EMBASE (via OvidSP), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [via Wiley Online Library (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USA)], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (via Wiley Online Library), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (via Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), Health Technology Assessment database (via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), Science Citation Index and Conference Proceedings [via the Web of Science™ (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, PA, USA)] and the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination). REVIEW METHODS Eligible studies included those of people aged ≥ 5 years presenting with sore throat symptoms, studies comparing point-of-care testing with antibiotic-prescribing decisions, studies of test accuracy and studies of cost-effectiveness. Quality assessment of eligible studies was undertaken. Meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity was carried out for tests with sufficient data. A decision tree model estimated costs and quality-adjusted life-years from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective. RESULTS The searches identified 38 studies of clinical effectiveness and three studies of cost-effectiveness. Twenty-six full-text articles and abstracts reported on the test accuracy of point-of-care tests and/or clinical scores with biological culture as a reference standard. In the population of interest (patients with Centor/McIsaac scores of ≥ 3 points or FeverPAIN scores of ≥ 4 points), point estimates were 0.829 to 0.946 for sensitivity and 0.849 to 0.991 for specificity. There was considerable heterogeneity, even for studies using the same point-of-care test, suggesting that is unlikely that any single study will have accurately captured a test's true performance. There is some randomised controlled trial evidence to suggest that the use of rapid antigen detection tests may help to reduce antibiotic-prescribing rates. Sensitivity and specificity estimates for each test in each age group and care setting combination were obtained using meta-analyses where appropriate. Any apparent differences in test accuracy may not be attributable to the tests, and may have been caused by known differences in the studies, latent characteristics or chance. Fourteen of the 21 tests reviewed were included in the economic modelling, and these tests were not cost-effective within the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's cost-effectiveness thresholds. Uncertainties in the cost-effectiveness estimates included model parameter inputs and assumptions that increase the cost of testing, and the penalty for antibiotic overprescriptions. LIMITATIONS No information was identified for the elderly population or pharmacy setting. It was not possible to identify which test is the most accurate owing to the paucity of evidence. CONCLUSIONS The systematic review and the cost-effectiveness models identified uncertainties around the adoption of point-of-care tests in primary and secondary care settings. Although sensitivity and specificity estimates are promising, we have little information to establish the most accurate point-of-care test. Further research is needed to understand the test accuracy of point-of-care tests in the proposed NHS pathway and in comparable settings and patient groups. STUDY REGISTRATION The protocol of the review is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018118653. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 31. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fraser
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Felix Achana
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachel Court
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Chidozie Nduka
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Chris Stinton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Paramjit Gill
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hema Mistry
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Lee JS, Kim S, Excler JL, Kim J, Mogasale V. Existing cost-effectiveness analyses for diseases caused by Group A Streptococcus: A systematic review to guide future research. Wellcome Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17116.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) causes a broad spectrum of disease manifestations, ranging from benign symptoms including throat or skin infections, to fatal illness such as rheumatic heart disease, or chronic renal failure. Currently, there is no vaccine available against Strep A infections. Despite the high burden of Strep A-associated infections worldwide, little attention has been paid to the research of these diseases, including standardized surveillance programs, resulting in a lack of economic evaluations for prevention efforts. This study aims at identifying existing cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) on any Strep A infections. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed electronic database. Results: Of a total of 321, 44 articles met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, CEA studies on Strep A remain limited in number. In particular, a number of available CEA studies on Strep A are disproportionately lower in low-income countries than in high-income countries. Decision-analytic models were the most popular choice for CEA on Strep A. A majority of the models considered pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever, but it was rare to observe a model which covered a wide range of disease manifestations. Conclusions: Future research is needed to address missing clinical outcomes, imbalance on study locations by income group, and the transmission dynamic of selected diseases.
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Antoñanzas F, Juárez-Castelló CA, Rodríguez-Ibeas R. Using point-of-care diagnostic testing for improved antibiotic prescription: an economic model. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2021; 11:29. [PMID: 34370115 PMCID: PMC8351365 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-021-00326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics have been overprescribed to treat infectious diseases and have generated antimicrobial resistances that reduce their effectiveness. Following the rationale behind the new paradigm of personalized medicine, point-of-care diagnostic testing (POCT) has been proposed to improve the quality of antibiotic prescription with the aim of reducing antimicrobial resistances. METHODS In order to understand whether this recommendation is valid, we create a theoretical economic model to determine under which conditions the expected benefits of using POCT to guide antibiotic prescription are greater than for empiric prescription, where we define the expected benefits as the difference between the economic value of health and the costs of the treatment. We consider the interaction of a group of physicians who express differing levels of uncertainty when prescribing with a firm selling a diagnostic device, and analyse the firm's pricing policy and the physicians' prescribing decisions. We allow the physicians to internalize the external costs of antimicrobial resistances. RESULTS We find that the use of POCT reduces the number of antibiotic prescriptions. The reduction in antibiotic prescriptions is higher when physicians internalise the costs of antimicrobial resistances. Physicians with relatively high levels of uncertainty use POCT as they are uncertain about the right treatment for a large proportion of patients. Physicians with low levels of uncertainty prefer to prescribe empirically. The segmentation in the population of physicians regarding the uptake of POCT depends on the distribution of levels of uncertainty across physicians. For each test, the firm charges the marginal production costs of the inputs needed to administer the test, and makes its profit from the sales of the testing devices. CONCLUSIONS From a theoretical perspective, our findings corroborate the fact that POCT improve the quality of antibiotic prescription and reduce the number of prescriptions. Nevertheless, their use is not always recommended as empiric therapy may be preferred when uncertainty is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Antoñanzas
- Department of Economics, University of La Rioja, La Cigüeña 60, 26004, Logroño, Spain
| | - C A Juárez-Castelló
- Department of Economics, University of La Rioja, La Cigüeña 60, 26004, Logroño, Spain
| | - R Rodríguez-Ibeas
- Department of Economics, University of La Rioja, La Cigüeña 60, 26004, Logroño, Spain.
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Avire NJ, Whiley H, Ross K. A Review of Streptococcus pyogenes: Public Health Risk Factors, Prevention and Control. Pathogens 2021; 10:248. [PMID: 33671684 PMCID: PMC7926438 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, (colloquially named "group A streptococcus" (GAS)), is a pathogen of public health significance, infecting 18.1 million people worldwide and resulting in 500,000 deaths each year. This review identified published articles on the risk factors and public health prevention and control strategies for mitigating GAS diseases. The pathogen causing GAS diseases is commonly transmitted via respiratory droplets, touching skin sores caused by GAS or through contact with contaminated material or equipment. Foodborne transmission is also possible, although there is need for further research to quantify this route of infection. It was found that GAS diseases are highly prevalent in developing countries, and among indigenous populations and low socioeconomic areas in developed countries. Children, the immunocompromised and the elderly are at the greatest risk of S. pyogenes infections and the associated sequelae, with transmission rates being higher in schools, kindergartens, hospitals and residential care homes. This was attributed to overcrowding and the higher level of social contact in these settings. Prevention and control measures should target the improvement of living conditions, and personal and hand hygiene. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices should be emphasized in high-risk settings. Resource distribution by governments, especially in developed countries, should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirstin Ross
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (N.J.A.); (H.W.)
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Model-based economic evaluations of diagnostic point of care tests were rarely fit for purpose. J Clin Epidemiol 2018; 109:1-11. [PMID: 30423377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Linked evidence models are recommended to predict health benefits and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests. We considered how published models accounted for changes in patient pathways that occur with point of care tests (POCTs) and their impact on patient health and costs. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Model-based evaluations of diagnostic POCTs published from 2004 to 2017 were identified from searching six databases. For each model, we assessed the outcomes considered, and whether reduced time to diagnosis and increased access to testing affected patient health and costs. RESULTS Seventy-four model-based evaluations were included: 95% incorporated evidence on test accuracy, but 34% only assessed intermediate outcomes such as rates of correct diagnosis. Of 54 models where POCTs reduced testing time, 39% addressed the economic and 37% addressed the health benefits of faster diagnosis. No model considered differences in access to tests. CONCLUSION Many models fail to capture the effects of POCTs in increasing access, advancing speed of diagnosis and treatment, and reducing anxiety and the associated costs. Many only consider the impact of testing from changes in accuracy. Ensuring models incorporate changes in patient pathways from faster and more accessible testing will lead to economic evaluations that better reflect the impact of POCTs.
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Llor C, Moragas A, Cordoba G. [Twenty-five myths in infectious diseases in primary care associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment]. Aten Primaria 2018; 50 Suppl 2:57-64. [PMID: 30270191 PMCID: PMC6836970 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overdiagnosis and overprescribing is common in current clinical practice of infectious diseases in primary care. On the basis of studies published in the medical literature we identify my means of a non-systematic review a total of 25 myths associated with the diagnosis and treatment and present the literature pertaining to each myth. These myths result in extraneous testing (overdiagnosis) and excessive antimicrobial treatment (overtreatment). Most of these myths are ingrained among general practitioners in our country. Not only should these myths be debunked from our clinical practice, but they should also be reversed, and we encourage our readers to critically appraise their practice when it comes down to the misconceptions treated in this manuscript. We attempt to give guidance to clinicians facing these frequent clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Llor
- Centro de Salud Via Roma, Barcelona, España; Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermedades Infecciosas de la semFYC.
| | - Ana Moragas
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Centro de Salud Jaume I, Tarragona, España
| | - Gloria Cordoba
- Centro de Investigación y Educación en Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad de Copenhague, Copenhague, Dinamarca
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Igarashi H, Nago N, Kiyokawa H, Fukushi M. Abdominal pain and nausea in the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in boys. Int J Gen Med 2017; 10:311-318. [PMID: 28989283 PMCID: PMC5624593 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s144310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study was designed to assess the accuracy of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, in the diagnosis of Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in children and to determine differences in diagnostic accuracy in boys versus girls. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included 5,755 consecutive patients aged <15 years with fever in the electronic database at a primary care practice. Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded in the database according to the International Classification of Primary Care codes, and the data were extracted electronically. The reference standard was GAS pharyngitis diagnosed with a rapid test. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of probable GAS pharyngitis were excluded from the primary analysis. Results Among the 5,755 children with fever, 331 (5.8%) were coded as having GAS pharyngitis, including 218 (65.9%) diagnosed with rapid tests and 113 (34.1%) clinically diagnosed with probable GAS pharyngitis. Among patients with fever and abdominal pain, rapid-test-confirmed GAS pharyngitis was significantly more common in boys (11/120, 9.2%) than in girls (3/128, 2.3%; p=0.026). The positive likelihood ratio of abdominal pain was 1.49 (95% CI =0.88–2.51): 2.41 (95% CI =1.33–4.36) in boys and 0.63 (95% CI =0.20–1.94) in girls. The positive likelihood ratio of nausea was 2.05 (95% CI =1.06–4.00): 2.74 (95% CI =1.28–5.86) in boys and 1.09 (95% CI =0.27–4.42) in girls. The association between abdominal pain and GAS pharyngitis was stronger in boys aged <6 years than in boys aged 6–15 years. Conclusion Abdominal pain and nausea were associated with GAS pharyngitis in boys, but not in girls. Abdominal pain and nausea may help determine the suitability of rapid tests in younger boys with fever and other clinical findings consistent with GAS pharyngitis, even in the absence of sore throat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naoki Nago
- Musashi Kokubunji Park Clinic, Kokubunji, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Cohen JF, Cohen R, Bidet P, Elbez A, Levy C, Bossuyt PM, Chalumeau M. Efficiency of a clinical prediction model for selective rapid testing in children with pharyngitis: A prospective, multicenter study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172871. [PMID: 28235012 PMCID: PMC5325561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is controversy whether physicians can rely on signs and symptoms to select children with pharyngitis who should undergo a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for group A streptococcus (GAS). Our objective was to evaluate the efficiency of signs and symptoms in selectively testing children with pharyngitis. Materials and methods In this multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study, French primary care physicians collected clinical data and double throat swabs from 676 consecutive children with pharyngitis; the first swab was used for the RADT and the second was used for a throat culture (reference standard). We developed a logistic regression model combining signs and symptoms with GAS as the outcome. We then derived a model-based selective testing strategy, assuming that children with low and high calculated probability of GAS (<0.12 and >0.85) would be managed without the RADT. Main outcomes and measures were performance of the model (c-index and calibration) and efficiency of the model-based strategy (proportion of participants in whom RADT could be avoided). Results Throat culture was positive for GAS in 280 participants (41.4%). Out of 17 candidate signs and symptoms, eight were retained in the prediction model. The model had an optimism-corrected c-index of 0.73; calibration of the model was good. With the model-based strategy, RADT could be avoided in 6.6% of participants (95% confidence interval 4.7% to 8.5%), as compared to a RADT-for-all strategy. Conclusions This study demonstrated that relying on signs and symptoms for selectively testing children with pharyngitis is not efficient. We recommend using a RADT in all children with pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie F. Cohen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Necker – Enfants malades hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Inserm UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Research Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
- Department of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, IMRB-GRC GEMINI, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Bidet
- Department of Microbiology, Robert-Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Annie Elbez
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
| | - Corinne Levy
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
- Clinical Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Patrick M. Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Department of General Pediatrics, Necker – Enfants malades hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Inserm UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Research Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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Hervás D, Hervás-Masip J, Ferrés L, Ramírez A, Pérez JL, Hervás JA. Effects of meteorologic factors and schooling on the seasonality of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:763-769. [PMID: 26446674 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-1072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the seasonal pattern of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in children attended at a hospital emergency department in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca (Spain), and its association with meteorologic factors and schooling. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of children aged 1-15 years with a diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis between January 2006 and December 2011. The number of S. pyogenes pharyngitis was correlated to temperature, humidity, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, solar radiation, and schooling, using regression and time series techniques. A total of 906 patients (median, 4 years old) with S. pyogenes pharyngitis, confirmed by throat culture, were attended during the study period. A seasonal pattern was observed with a peak activity in June and a minimum in September. Mean temperature, solar radiation, and school holidays were the best predicting variables (R(2) = 0.68; p < 0.001). S. pyogenes activity increased with the decrease of mean temperature (z = -2.4; p < 0.05), the increase of solar radiation (z = 4.2; p < 0.001), and/or the decrease in school holidays (z = -2.4; p < 0.05). In conclusion, S. pyogenes pharyngitis had a clear seasonality predominating in springtime, and an association with mean temperature, solar radiation, and schooling was observed. The resulting model predicted 68 % of S. pyogenes pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hervás
- University Institute for Health Sciences Research, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- IdISPa, Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan Hervás-Masip
- University Institute for Health Sciences Research, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Laia Ferrés
- Departments of Pediatrics, Son Espases University Hospital, Ctra Valldemosa 79, Palma de Mallorca, 07010, Spain
| | - Antonio Ramírez
- Departments of Microbiology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José L Pérez
- Departments of Microbiology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan A Hervás
- University Institute for Health Sciences Research, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
- IdISPa, Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
- Departments of Pediatrics, Son Espases University Hospital, Ctra Valldemosa 79, Palma de Mallorca, 07010, Spain.
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Cots JM, Alós JI, Bárcena M, Boleda X, Cañada JL, Gómez N, Mendoza A, Vilaseca I, Llor C. [Recommendations for management of acute pharyngitis in adults]. Aten Primaria 2015; 47:532-43. [PMID: 26025360 PMCID: PMC6983836 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
La faringoamigdalitis aguda (FAA) en el adulto es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más comunes en la consulta del médico de familia. La etiología más frecuente es viral. Dentro de la etiología bacteriana, el principal agente responsable es Streptococcus pyogenes o estreptococo β-hemolítico del grupo A (EBHGA), causante del 5-30% de los casos. En el manejo diagnóstico, las escalas de valoración clínica para predecir la posible etiología bacteriana, son una buena ayuda para seleccionar a qué pacientes se deben practicar las técnicas de detección rápida de antígeno estreptocócico. Es conocido que, en general, sin estas técnicas se tiende al sobrediagnóstico de FAA estreptocócica, con la consiguiente prescripción innecesaria de antibióticos, muchas veces de amplio espectro. Así, con el manejo de las escalas y la técnica de diagnóstico rápido, elaboramos los algoritmos de manejo de la FAA. Los objetivos del tratamiento son acelerar la resolución de los síntomas, reducir el tiempo de contagio y prevenir las complicaciones supurativas locales y no supurativas. Los antibióticos de elección para el tratamiento de la FAA estreptocócica son penicilina y amoxicilina. La asociación de amoxicilina y clavulánico no está indicada en el tratamiento inicial en la infección aguda. Los macrólidos tampoco son un tratamiento de primera elección; su uso debe reservarse para pacientes con alergia a la penicilina. Es importante en nuestro país adecuar tanto el diagnóstico de la FAA bacteriana y la prescripción de antibióticos a la evidencia científica disponible. La implantación de protocolos de actuación en las farmacias comunitarias puede ser de utilidad para identificar y cribar los casos que no requieran tratamiento antibiótico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Cots
- Centro de Atención Primaria La Marina, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España.
| | - Juan-Ignacio Alós
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Madrid, España; Grupo de Estudio de la Infección en Atención Primaria de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (GEIAP-SEIMC), España
| | - Mario Bárcena
- Centro de Salud de Valdefierro, Zaragoza, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales y de Familia (SEMG), España
| | - Xavier Boleda
- Farmacia Arizcun, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - José L Cañada
- Centro de Salud Algorta-Bidezábal, Getxo, Vizcaya, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN), España
| | - Niceto Gómez
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Comarcal de Hellín, Hellín, Albacete, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España
| | - Ana Mendoza
- Farmacia Caelles, Reus, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - Isabel Vilaseca
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España
| | - Carles Llor
- Centro de Salud Jaume I, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
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Cots JM, Alós JI, Bárcena M, Boleda X, Cañada JL, Gómez N, Mendoza A, Vilaseca I, Llor C. [Recommendations for management of acute pharyngitis in adults]. Semergen 2015; 41:370-81. [PMID: 26004567 PMCID: PMC7128458 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute pharyngitis in adults is one of the most common infectious diseases seen in general practitioners' consultations. Viral aetiology is the most common. Among bacterial causes, the main agent is Streptococcus pyogenes or group A β-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), which causes 5%-30% of the episodes. In the diagnostic process, clinical assessment scales can help clinicians to better predict suspected bacterial aetiology by selecting patients who should undergo a rapid antigen detection test. If these techniques are not performed, an overdiagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis often occurs, resulting in unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics, most of which are broad spectrum. Consequently, management algorithms that include the use of predictive clinical rules and rapid tests have been set up. The aim of the treatment is speeding up symptom resolution, reducing the contagious time span and preventing local suppurative and non-suppurative complications. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of pharyngitis. The association of amoxicillin and clavulanate is not indicated as the initial treatment of acute infection. Neither are macrolides indicated as first-line therapy; they should be reserved for patients allergic to penicillin. The appropriate diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis and proper use of antibiotics based on the scientific evidence available are crucial. Using management algorithms can be helpful in identifying and screening the cases that do not require antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Cots
- Centro de Atención Primaria La Marina, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
| | - Juan-Ignacio Alós
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Madrid, España; Grupo de Estudio de la Infección en Atención Primaria de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (GEIAP-SEIMC), España
| | - Mario Bárcena
- Centro de Salud de Valdefierro, Zaragoza, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales y de Familia (SEMG), España
| | - Xavier Boleda
- Farmacia Arizcun, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - José L Cañada
- Centro de Salud Algorta-Bidezábal, Getxo, Vizcaya, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN), España
| | - Niceto Gómez
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Comarcal de Hellín, Hellín, Albacete, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España
| | - Ana Mendoza
- Farmacia Caelles, Reus, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - Isabel Vilaseca
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España.
| | - Carles Llor
- Centro de Salud Jaume I, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
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Cots JM, Alós JI, Bárcena M, Boleda X, Cañada JL, Gómez N, Mendoza A, Vilaseca I, Llor C. Recommendations for Management of Acute Pharyngitis in Adults. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2015. [PMCID: PMC7154615 DOI: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Cots JM, Alós JI, Bárcena M, Boleda X, Cañada JL, Gómez N, Mendoza A, Vilaseca I, Llor C. [Recommendations for management of acute pharyngitis in adults]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2015; 34:585-594. [PMID: 25869058 PMCID: PMC7125737 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
La faringoamigdalitis aguda (FAA) en el adulto es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más comunes en la consulta del médico de familia. La etiología más frecuente es viral. Dentro de la etiología bacteriana, el principal agente responsable es Streptococcus pyogenes o estreptococo β-hemolítico del grupo A (EBHGA), causante del 5-30% de los casos. En el manejo diagnóstico, las escalas de valoración clínica para predecir la posible etiología bacteriana, son una buena ayuda para seleccionar a qué pacientes se deben practicar las técnicas de detección rápida de antígeno estreptocócico. Es conocido que, en general, sin estas técnicas se tiende al sobrediagnóstico de FAA estreptocócica, con la consiguiente prescripción innecesaria de antibióticos, muchas veces de amplio espectro. Así, con el manejo de las escalas y la técnica de diagnóstico rápido, elaboramos los algoritmos de manejo de la FAA. Los objetivos del tratamiento son acelerar la resolución de los síntomas, reducir el tiempo de contagio y prevenir las complicaciones supurativas locales y no supurativas. Los antibióticos de elección para el tratamiento de la FAA estreptocócica son penicilina y amoxicilina. La asociación de amoxicilina y clavulánico no está indicada en el tratamiento inicial en la infección aguda. Los macrólidos tampoco son un tratamiento de primera elección; su uso debe reservarse para pacientes con alergia a la penicilina. Es importante en nuestro país adecuar tanto el diagnóstico de la FAA bacteriana y la prescripción de antibióticos a la evidencia científica disponible. La implantación de protocolos de actuación en las farmacias comunitarias puede ser de utilidad para identificar y cribar los casos que no requieran tratamiento antibiótico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Cots
- Centro de Atención Primaria La Marina, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
| | - Juan-Ignacio Alós
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Madrid, España; Grupo de Estudio de la Infección en Atención Primaria de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (GEIAP-SEIMC), España
| | - Mario Bárcena
- Centro de Salud de Valdefierro, Zaragoza, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales y de Familia (SEMG), España
| | - Xavier Boleda
- Farmacia Arizcun, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - José L Cañada
- Centro de Salud Algorta-Bidezábal, Getxo, Vizcaya, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN), España
| | - Niceto Gómez
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Comarcal de Hellín, Hellín, Albacete, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España
| | - Ana Mendoza
- Farmacia Caelles, Reus, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - Isabel Vilaseca
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España.
| | - Carles Llor
- Centro de Salud Jaume I, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
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Cots JM, Alós JI, Bárcena M, Boleda X, Cañada JL, Gómez N, Mendoza A, Vilaseca I, Llor C. Recommendations for management of acute pharyngitis in adults. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2015; 66:159-70. [PMID: 25772389 PMCID: PMC7124194 DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute pharyngitis in adults is one of the most common infectious diseases seen in general practitioners' consultations. Viral aetiology is the most common. Among bacterial causes, the main agent is Streptococcus pyogenes or group A β-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), which causes 5%-30% of the episodes. In the diagnostic process, clinical assessment scales can help clinicians to better predict suspected bacterial aetiology by selecting patients who should undergo a rapid antigen detection test. If these techniques are not performed, an overdiagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis often occurs, resulting in unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics, most of which are broad spectrum. Consequently, management algorithms that include the use of predictive clinical rules and rapid tests have been set up. The aim of the treatment is speeding up symptom resolution, reducing the contagious time span and preventing local suppurative and non-suppurative complications. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of pharyngitis. The association of amoxicillin and clavulanate is not indicated as the initial treatment of acute infection. Neither are macrolides indicated as first-line therapy; they should be reserved for patients allergic to penicillin. The appropriate diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis and proper use of antibiotics based on the scientific evidence available are crucial. Using management algorithms can be helpful in identifying and screening the cases that do not require antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Cots
- Centro de Atención Primaria La Marina, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
| | - Juan-Ignacio Alós
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Madrid, España; Grupo de Estudio de la Infección en Atención Primaria de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (GEIAP-SEIMC), España
| | - Mario Bárcena
- Centro de Salud de Valdefierro, Zaragoza, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales y de Familia (SEMG), España
| | - Xavier Boleda
- Farmacia Arizcun, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - José L Cañada
- Centro de Salud Algorta-Bidezábal, Getxo, Vizcaya, España; Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN), España
| | - Niceto Gómez
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Comarcal de Hellín, Hellín, Albacete, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España
| | - Ana Mendoza
- Farmacia Caelles, Reus, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Farmacia Comunitaria (SEFAC), España
| | - Isabel Vilaseca
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial (SEORL-PCF), España.
| | - Carles Llor
- Centro de Salud Jaume I, Tarragona, España; Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SemFYC), España
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Barbosa Júnior AR, Oliveira CDL, Fontes MJF, Lasmar LMDLBF, Camargos PAM. [Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations]. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA : ORGAO OFICIAL DA SOCIEDADE DE PEDIATRIA DE SAO PAULO 2014; 32:285-91. [PMID: 25510990 PMCID: PMC4311780 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpped.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics. METHODS A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/ or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis. RESULTS 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. CONCLUSIONS Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.
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Barbosa Júnior AR, Oliveira CDL, Fontes MJF, Lasmar LMDLBF, Camargos PAM. Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-05822014000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics.METHODS: A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis.RESULTS: 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.
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Van Brusselen D, Vlieghe E, Schelstraete P, De Meulder F, Vandeputte C, Garmyn K, Laffut W, Van de Voorde P. Streptococcal pharyngitis in children: to treat or not to treat? Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:1275-83. [PMID: 25113742 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-014-2395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Controversy remains about the need for antibiotic therapy of group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in high-resource settings. Guidelines on the management of GAS pharyngitis differ considerably, especially in children. We performed a literature search on the diagnosis and treatment of GAS pharyngitis in children and compared different guidelines with current epidemiology and the available evidence on management. Some European guidelines only recommend antibiotic treatment in certain high-risk patients, while many other, including all American, still advise antimicrobial treatment for all children with GAS pharyngitis, given the severity and re-emerging incidence of complications. Empirical antimicrobial treatment in children with sore throat and a high clinical suspicion of GAS pharyngitis will still result in significant overtreatment of nonstreptococcal pharyngitis. This is costly and leads to emerging antibiotic resistance. Early differential diagnosis between viral and GAS pharyngitis, by means of a 'rapid antigen detection test' (RADT) and/or a throat culture, is therefore needed if 'pro treatment' guidelines are used. CONCLUSION Large scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the value of antibiotics for GAS pharyngitis in high-resource countries, in order to achieve uniform and evidence-based guidelines. The severity and the possibly increasing incidence of complications in school-aged children suggests that testing and treating proven GAS pharyngitis can still be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Van Brusselen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium,
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No evidence for the effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids in acute pharyngitis, community-acquired pneumonia and acute otitis media. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 32:151-60. [PMID: 22993127 PMCID: PMC7087613 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-012-1747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Corticosteroids have been used to treat infectious diseases for more than 50 years but, although it has been shown that they are highly effective in improving the clinical course of some diseases, their effects have not been clearly defined in others. Nevertheless, they are still used by a considerable number of physicians. This review analyses the role of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute pharyngitis (AP), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute otitis media (AOM). A number of trials involving patients with AP have been carried out, but most are marred by methodological flaws that do not allow any firm conclusions to be drawn. The number of trials involving CAP patients is even higher, and the data suggest that corticosteroids may reduce the risk of death only in patients with severe disease. There are very few data concerning AOM, and there is currently no reason for prescribing corticosteroids to treat it. Overall, the data showed that there is, currently, no indication for the universal use of systemic corticosteroids in any of the reviewed diseases and, further, high-quality studies of all of these respiratory tract infections are needed in order to identify the patients for whom the prescription of corticosteroids is rationally acceptable.
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Piñeiro Pérez R, Hijano Bandera F, Alvez González F, Fernández Landaluce A, Silva Rico JC, Pérez Cánovas C, Calvo Rey C, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ. [Consensus document on the diagnosis and treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2011; 75:342.e1-13. [PMID: 21920830 PMCID: PMC7105079 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2011.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most common childhood diseases. Viruses are the most frequent origin. Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is the main bacterial cause. A culture or a rapid antigen-detection test of a throat-swab specimen should only be done on the basis of clinical scores, in order to avoid over-diagnosis of bacterial origin and unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The objectives of treatment are: the reduction of symptoms, reduce the contagious period, and prevent local suppurative and systemic complications. Ideally, only confirmed cases should receive antibiotics. If there is no possibility to perform a rapid antigen-detection test, or in some cases if the result is negative, it is recommended to perform a culture and, if there is high suspicious index, to prescribe antibiotics. Penicillin is the treatment of choice, although amoxicillin is also accepted as the first option. Amoxicillin/clavulanate is not indicated in any case as empirical treatment. Macrolides are not a first choice antibiotic, and should be reserved for those patients with immediate penicillin allergy reaction or for the treatment of streptococcal carriers. It is of primordial importance to adapt the prescribing of antibiotics to the scientific evidence.
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