Predicting streptococcal pharyngitis in adults in primary care: a systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms and signs and validation of the Centor score

Treatment of Acute Sore Throat in Malaysia: A Consensus of Multidisciplinary Recommendations Using Modified Delphi Methodology

Introduction

Using antibiotics in the treatment of acute sore throats has been linked with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and needs to be addressed. The consensus sought to improve diagnostic accuracy, decrease unwarranted antibiotic prescriptions and enhance patient outcomes.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of nine experts reviewed published literature and discussed current practices in managing sore throat. Ten evidence-based statements on sore throat and AMR, diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic prescribing, and symptomatic therapy were developed. A modified Delphi exercise was then carried out. A consensus was reached if at least 70% of the group agreed with the statement.

Results

All 10 statements for managing acute sore throat achieved consensus. The major concern of AMR caused by improper antibiotic prescribing, particularly in cases of viral sore throat, was recognized. This underscores the need for improved diagnostic tools, such as the McIsaac score, to reduce needless antibiotic prescriptions. To improve patient satisfaction, effective pain management using non-antibiotic alternatives such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and flurbiprofen throat lozenges was recommended. Pain and inflammation can be adequately managed with low-dose NSAIDs. The potential benefits of topical NSAIDs were acknowledged for their milder safety profile than oral formulations.

Conclusion

A consensus was achieved on the use of a clinical diagnostic tool, prudent use of antibiotics, and symptomatic therapy in acute sore throat management. The McIsaac score and point-of-care testing (POCT) for the presence of group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) can aid in the decision-making process for antibiotic use, reducing needless prescriptions. The mainstay of therapy is symptomatic treatment, which includes the use of NSAIDs.

Initial assessment and management of adults with suspected acute respiratory infection: a rapid evidence synthesis of reviews and cost-effectiveness studies

Background

This work was undertaken to inform a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on the initial assessment of adults with suspected acute respiratory infection.

Objective

To undertake a rapid evidence synthesis of systematic reviews and cost-effectiveness studies of signs, symptoms and early warning scores for the initial assessment of adults with suspected acute respiratory infection.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for systematic reviews and MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database were searched for cost-effectiveness studies in May 2023. References of relevant studies were checked. Clinical outcomes of interest included escalation of care, antibiotic/antiviral use, time to resolution of symptoms, mortality and health-related quality of life. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews tool or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence economic evaluations checklist. Results were summarised using narrative synthesis.

Results

Nine systematic reviews and one cost-effectiveness study met eligibility criteria. Seven reviews assessed several early warning scores for patients with community- acquired pneumonia, one assessed early warning scores for nursing home-acquired pneumonia and one assessed individual signs/symptoms and the Centor score for patients with sore throat symptoms; all in face-to-face settings. Two good-quality reviews concluded that further research is needed to validate the CRB-65 in primary care/community settings. One also concluded that further research is needed on the Pneumonia Severity Index in community settings; however, the Pneumonia Severity Index requires data from tests not routinely conducted in community settings. One good-quality review concluded that National Early Warning Score appears to be useful in an emergency department/acute medical setting. One review (unclear quality) concluded that the Pneumonia Severity Index and CURB-65 appear useful in an emergency department setting. Two poor-quality reviews concluded that early warning scores can support clinical judgement and one poor-quality review found numerous problems with using early warning scores in a nursing home setting. A good-quality review concluded that individual signs and symptoms have a modest ability to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis, and that the Centor score can enhance appropriate prescribing of antibiotics. The cost-effectiveness study assessed clinical scores and rapid antigen detection tests for sore throat, compared to delayed antibiotic prescribing. The study concluded that the clinical score is a cost-effective approach when compared to delayed prescribing and rapid antigen testing.

Conclusions

Several early warning scores have been evaluated in adults with suspected acute respiratory infection, mainly the CRB-65, CURB-65 and Pneumonia Severity Index in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The evidence was insufficient to determine what triage strategies avoid serious illness. Some early warning scores (CURB-65, Pneumonia Severity Index and National Early Warning Score) appear to be useful in an emergency department/acute medical setting; however, further research is required to validate the CRB-65 and Pneumonia Severity Index in primary care/community settings. The economic evidence indicated that clinical scores may be a cost-effective approach to triage patients compared with delayed prescribing.

Future work and limitations

Only systematic reviews were eligible for inclusion in the synthesis of clinical evidence. There was a great deal of overlap in the primary studies included in the reviews, many of which had significant limitations. No studies were undertaken in remote settings (e.g. NHS 111). Only one cost-effectiveness study was identified, with limited applicability to the review question.

Funding

This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme as award number NIHR159945.

Diagnostic performance of clinical prediction rules to detect group A beta-haemolytic streptococci in people with acute pharyngitis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare the diagnostic performance of Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs) developed to detect group A Beta-haemolytic streptococci in people with acute pharyngitis (or sore throat).

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (inception-September 2022) for studies deriving and/or validating CPRs comprised of ≥2 predictors from an individual's history or physical examination. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in included studies. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity. Instead we compared the performance of CPRs when they were validated in the same study population (head-to-head comparisons). We used a modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach to assess certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS

We included 63 studies, all judged at high risk of bias. Of 24 derived CPRs, 7 were externally validated (in 46 external validations). Five validation studies provided data for head-to-head comparison of four pairs of CPRs. Very low certainty evidence favoured the Centor CPR over the McIsaac (2 studies) and FeverPain CPRs (1 study) and found the Centor CPR was equivalent to the Walsh CPR (1 study). The AbuReesh and Steinhoff 2005 CPRs had a similar poor discriminative ability (1 study). Within and between study comparisons suggested the performance of the Centor CPR may be better in adults (>18 years).

CONCLUSION

Very low certainty evidence suggests a better performance of the Centor CPR. When deciding about antibiotic prescribing for pharyngitis patients, involving patients in a shared decision making discussion about the likely benefits and harms, including antibiotic resistance, is recommended. Further research of higher rigour, which compares CPRs across multiple settings, is needed.

Medicalising diagnoses and treatment preferences: a retrospective cohort study of throat-related consultations in electronic primary care records

BACKGROUND

Rather than first diagnosing and then deciding on treatment, GPs may intuitively decide on treatment and justify this through choice of diagnosis.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between choice of a medicalising diagnosis and antibiotic treatment for throat-related consultations.

DESIGN & SETTING

A retrospective cohort study in a large database of UK electronic primary care records between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2020.

METHOD

All first throat-related consultations were included, categorised as either pharyngitis/tonsillitis or sore throat. The outcome was any antibiotic prescription on the consultation date. GP-level random effects on prescribing and on diagnosis were estimated in a series of mixed-effects regression models, including age, sex, weekday, month, and clinician characteristics as fixed effects. GPs were grouped into quintiles by antibiotic prescribing propensity, and described the proportion of patients they diagnosed with pharyngitis/tonsillitis or sore throat in each quintile.

RESULTS

The analysis dataset included 393 590 throat-related consultations with 6881 staff. Diagnosis of pharyngitis/tonsillitis was strongly associated with antibiotic prescribing (adjusted odds ratio = 13.41, 95% confidence interval = 12.8 to 14.04). GP random effect accounted for 18% of variation in prescribing and for 26% of variation in diagnosis. GPs in the lowest quintile of antibiotic prescribing propensity diagnosed pharyngitis/tonsillitis on 31% of occasions, compared with 55% in the highest quintile.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial variation among GPs in diagnosis and treatment of throat-related problems. Preference for a medicalising diagnosis is associated with a preference for antibiotics, suggesting a common propensity to both diagnose and treat.

Lemierre syndrome: a hidden complication of sore throats

BACKGROUND

Lemierre syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, most commonly caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with generalized neck swelling and fever. Despite seeking medical attention at multiple outpatient clinics for upper respiratory symptoms lasting 10 days, she only received symptomatic treatment for acute viral pharyngitis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of her neck revealed thrombophlebitis in the left internal jugular vein, and subsequent cultures indicated the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient's oxygen saturation levels suddenly dropped, and the CT scan identified bilateral peripheral consolidation areas in both lungs, consistent with septic emboli. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome. The patient was treated with 2 weeks of intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin, as well as anticoagulation therapy using heparin, and her symptoms resolved completely.

CONCLUSION

This report presents an unusual occurrence of Lemierre syndrome caused by K. pneumoniae, a less frequently encountered causative pathogen in patients without diabetes mellitus. The case highlights the significance of timely and appropriate antibiotic use to prevent potential complications.

Recrudescence of Scarlet Fever and Its Implications for Dental Professionals

A significant increase in the incidence of scarlet fever, mainly in Europe, has been noted during the COVID-19 postpandemic period. Scarlet fever is caused by a pyrogenic exotoxin-producing streptococcus-Streptococcus pyogenes-responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually worldwide. Superantigens (SAgs) secreted by this Group A streptococcus (GAS) usually overstimulate the human immune system, causing an amplified hypersensitivity reaction leading to initial symptoms such as sore throat, high fever, and a sandpaper-like skin rash. There could be concurrent oral manifestations known as "strawberry tongue" or "raspberry tongue," which may be first noted by oral health professionals. The early diagnosis and treatment of this disease is critical to obviate the development of local and systemic sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and glomerulonephritis. Antibiotics should be prescribed early to mitigate its duration, sequelae, and community spread. Dental practitioners should be aware of the early symptoms of scarlet fever for infection detection, emergency patient management, and appropriate referral. This concise review outlines the prevalence, pathogenicity, oral and systemic manifestations, as well as the dental implications of scarlet fever.

Influence of a guideline or an additional rapid strep test on antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat: the cluster randomized controlled trial of HALS (Hals und Antibiotika Leitlinien Strategien)

BACKGROUND

Pharyngitis due to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) is seen as the main indication for antibiotics for sore throat. In primary care settings prescription rates are much higher than the prevalence of GAS. Recommendations in international guidelines differ considerably. A German guideline suggested to consider antibiotics for patients with Centor or McIsaac scores ≥ 3, first choice being penicillin V for 7 days, and recommended analgesics for all. We investigated, if the implementation of this guideline lowers the antibiotic prescription rate, and if a rapid antigen detection strep-test (RADT) in patients with scores ≥ 3 lowers the rate further.

METHODS

HALS was an open pragmatic parallel group three-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial. Primary care practices in Northern Germany were randomized into three groups: Guideline (GL-group), modified guideline with a RADT for scores ≥ 3 (GL-RADT-group) or usual care (UC-group). All practices were visited and instructed by the study team (outreach visits) and supplied with material according to their group. The practices were asked to recruit 11 consecutive patients ≥ 2 years with an acute sore throat and being at least moderately impaired. A study throat swab for GAS was taken in every patient. The antibiotic prescription rate at the first consultation was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

From October 2010 to March 2012, 68 general practitioners in 61 practices recruited 520 patients, 516 could be analyzed for the primary endpoint. Antibiotic prescription rates did not differ between groups (p = 0.162) and were about three times higher than the GAS rate: GL-group 97/187 patients (52%; GAS = 16%), GL-RADT-group 74/172 (43%; GAS = 16%) and UC-group 68/157 (43%; GAS = 14%). In the GL-RADT-group 55% of patients had scores ≥ 3 compared to 35% in GL-group (p < 0.001). After adjustment, in the GL-RADT-group the OR was 0.23 for getting an antibiotic compared to the GL-group (p = 0.010), even though 35 of 90 patients with a negative Strep-test got an antibiotic in the GL-RADT-group. The prescription rates per practice covered the full range from 0 to 100% in all groups.

CONCLUSION

The scores proposed in the implemented guideline seem inappropriate to lower antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat, but better adherence of practitioners to negative RADTs should lead to fewer prescriptions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00013018, retrospectively registered 28.11.2017.

Diagnosis and management of acute pharyngotonsillitis among pediatric patients at Ribat Teaching Hospital: a prospective audit (2021-2022)

Diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis is challenging due to the wide range of symptoms and signs. Sudan Federal Ministry of Health and Sudanese Association of Paediatricians, along with Sudan Heart Society reached a consensus about the clinical prediction rule which aids in diagnosing and managing bacterial pharyngotonsillitis. This audit aimed to assess doctors' knowledge and practice regarding diagnosis and management of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis at Ribat Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. This audit was done at Pediatric Department, Ribat Teaching Hospital, and data collection was done over 2 weeks either in the first or the second cycle. Inclusion criteria were children who presented at the emergency room and were diagnosed with acute pharyngotonsillitis. The criteria used in this audit were from Sudan guidelines for prevention, diagnosis and management of rheumatic heart disease. Regular training sessions were done between the first and second cycles. There were 19 patients in the first cycle, 17 of them (89.4%) were diagnosed clinically with bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, and 8 of these 17 (47%) were fitting the criteria. Regarding the management of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, no patient was given the recommended antibiotics in the guidelines (0.00%). In the second cycle, there were 21 patients, of whom 11 patients were diagnosed clinically with bacterial pharyngotonsillitis (52%). Of those 11, 8 patients were fitting the criteria (72.7%), and the recommended antibiotics were given in 9 of them (82%). The current practice toward acute pharyngotonsillitis management revealed a lack of doctors' knowledge about local guidelines which can be improved by simple ways such as posters, lectures, and focused group discussions.

Role of multidimensional factors in the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillopharyngitis in primary care: a qualitative study

Background

Tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most frequently observed upper respiratory tract infections, for which antibiotics are prescribed in ambulatory care. In most cases, tonsillopharyngitis is benign and self-limiting, mostly a viral condition. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and treatment process of tonsillopharyngitis by general practitioners and to understand decisions regarding antibiotic prescribing and the factors that shape these practices.

Methods/design

This was a qualitative interview study in primary care practices in Latvia. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with general practitioners from November 2016 to January 2017. Thematic analysis was applied to identify factors that influence the prescribing practice in a primary care setting in conjunction with a specific context in which the prescriber practices.

Results

Decisions and practice of general practitioner are not static over time or context; they occur within an environmental setting influenced by individual factors of general practitioners, the health care system, and practice-specific factors that shape the diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing in the tonsillopharyngitis. Interviewed general practitioners rely primarily on their personal experience, perception, and skills acquired in their practice, which are encouraged by the environment, where the necessary tools and resources are not in place to encourage rational prescribing of antibiotics.

Conclusions

General practitioners’ decision regarding antibiotic prescribing is an unstable concept that differs between prescribers. The health care system could augment the experience of general practitioners through structural changes such as guidelines, availability of antibiotics, and available antibiotics package size.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of House Officers to the Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Pharyngitis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Pharyngitis is one of the most common clinical presentations in pediatric clinics. Streptococcal pharyngitis reaches a nadir in the early school years, and it is vital to diagnose it early to avoid the serious complications that can arise from improper treatment, such as acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional multicenter study of medical house officers conducted from January to February 2018.

RESULTS

This study surveyed 135 house officers at Khartoum's primary health centers and hospitals. Most of the respondents were males (76/135; 56%). Most of the house officers reported seeing patients with throat complaints 1-2 times per week (58/135; 43%). The most common complication was acute rheumatic fever (65/135; 48%). Out of all the criteria of a Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis diagnosis, absence of cough and tender lymph nodes were the least recognized by house officers, i.e. 11.9% (16/135) and 45.2% (61/135), respectively. Only (4/135) 3% knew the full criteria for diagnosing bacterial pharyngitis. Throat culture was the most commonly used lab test to diagnose bacterial pharyngitis (115/135; 85.2%). The majority of participants did not recognize an IM injection of benzathine penicillin G as the first-line management of bacterial pharyngitis (101/135; 74.8%). The participants had moderate knowledge (93/135; 68.9%). Those with poor knowledge also happened to have poor practice (p = 0.009). Those who see more cases per week were also more likely to have good knowledge (p = 0.000). House officers with a moderate attitude constituted about 48.9% (66/135) of the whole sample. The most often prescribed medication was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for one week (53/135; 39.3%). The practice score was associated with a lower knowledge (p = 0.009). Only 20.7% (28/135) of the participants in our study were adherent to the use of benzathine penicillin G as the first-line management of bacterial pharyngitis.

CONCLUSION

House officers had poor-to-moderate knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of bacterial pharyngitis, especially in regard to what antibiotic to use. However, their fear of antibiotic resistance was a good behavior.

A framework for implementing antibiotic stewardship in ambulatory care: Lessons learned from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use

Antibiotic overuse is common in ambulatory care settings, underscoring the importance of outpatient antibiotic stewardship to ensure safe and effective antibiotic prescription. In response to this need, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) developed the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use in Ambulatory Care. The Safety Program successfully assisted 389 outpatient practices across the United States to establish ambulatory antibiotic stewardship. Herein, we have used lessons learned from the AHRQ Safety Program to describe a step-by-step framework to assist practices with establishing antibiotic stewardship in the outpatient setting. Steps include obtaining support from practice leadership; establishing an antibiotic stewardship team; garnering support from practice members; determining how to access antibiotic prescribing data; building communication skills around antibiotic use in the practice; implementing educational content around an infectious syndrome; monitoring antibiotic prescription data; and implementing a sustainability plan.

The aetiology of pharyngotonsillitis in primary health care: a prospective observational study

Background

Few studies on pharyngotonsillitis have examined the clinical presentation of different aetiologies where pathogens have been detected using molecular methods. We aimed to assess how well clinical signs and symptoms can predict (1) the presence or absence of a broad range of viruses and bacteria, and (2) reconsultations for a sore throat or a complication.

Methods

In this descriptive observational prospective study in primary health care 220 patients aged 15–45 with suspected pharyngotonsillitis were sampled from nose, throat and blood and screened for 20 bacteria and viruses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture and serology. Odds ratios (OR) and predictive values with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to show association between microbiological findings and clinical signs and symptoms. Patients were followed up after 3 months by reviewing electronic medical records.

Results

Both cough and coryza were more common in patients with only viruses (67%) than in patients with only bacteria (21%) (p < 0.001), whereas tonsillar coating was more common in patients with only bacteria (53%) than in patients with only viruses (29%) (p = 0.006). Tonsillar coating (adjusted OR 6.0; 95% CI 2.5–14) and a lack of cough (adjusted OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5–8.0) were significantly associated with Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) and with any bacterial finding. A Centor score of 3–4 had a positive predictive value of 49% (95% CI 42–57) for GAS and 66% (95% CI 57–74) for any bacterial findings. The use of rapid antigen detection test for GAS increased the positive predictive value for this group to 93%.

Conclusions

Signs and symptoms, both single and combined, were insufficient to rule in GAS or other pathogens. However, both cough and coryza were useful to rule out GAS. The results support the clinical approach of restricting rapid antigen detection testing to patients with 3–4 Centor criteria. The low carriage rate of bacteria among asymptomatic controls implied that most detections in patients represented a true infection.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06665-9.

Rapid antigen detection and molecular tests for group A streptococcal infections for acute sore throat: systematic reviews and economic evaluation

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.

Distribution of Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Acute Rheumatic Fever, Auckland, New Zealand, 2010-2016

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a key initiator of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). In New Zealand, ARF cases occur more frequently among persons of certain ethnic and socioeconomic groups. We compared GAS pharyngitis estimates (1,257,058 throat swab samples) with ARF incidence (792 hospitalizations) in Auckland during 2010–2016. Among children 5–14 years of age in primary healthcare clinics, GAS pharyngitis was detected in similar proportions across ethnic groups (≈19%). Relative risk for GAS pharyngitis was moderately elevated among children of Pacific Islander and Māori ethnicities compared with those of European/other ethnicities, but risk for ARF was highly elevated for children of Pacific Islander and Māori ethnicity compared with those of European/other ethnicity. That ethnic disparities are much higher among children with ARF than among those with GAS pharyngitis implies that ARF is driven by factors other than rate of GAS pharyngitis alone.

Structured review of primary interventions to reduce group A streptococcal infections, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a large, preventable, global public health burden. In New Zealand (NZ), acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD rates are highest for Māori and Pacific children. This structured review explores the evidence for primary prevention interventions to diagnose and effectively treat group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections to reduce rates of ARF and RHD. Medline, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched as well as other electronic publications. Included were 50 publications from 1980 onwards. This review has identified that there is little available evidence for effective primary prevention strategies to reduce ARF rates in NZ. However, two primary intervention strategies that should be considered by communities at high-risk of ARF are: the use of school-based clinics to identify and treat GAS pharyngitis and GAS skin infections; and intramuscular benzathine penicillin G with lignocaine analgesia in children who present with a GAS positive throat.

Development of a Severity Classification System for Sickle Cell Disease

Purpose

There is no well-accepted classification system of overall sickle cell disease (SCD) severity. We sought to develop a system that could be tested as a clinical outcome predictor.

Patients and Methods

Using validated methodology (RAND/UCLA modified Delphi panel), 10 multi-disciplinary expert clinicians collaboratively developed 180 simplified patient histories and rated each on multiple axes (estimated clinician follow-up frequency, risk of complications or death, quality of life, overall disease severity). Using ratings on overall disease severity, we developed a 3-level severity classification system ranging from Class I (least severe) to Class III (most severe).

Results

The system defines patients as Class I who are 8-40 years with no end organ damage, no chronic pain, and ≤4 unscheduled acute care visits due to vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in the last year. Patients <8 or >40 years with no end organ damage, no chronic pain, and <2 unscheduled acute care visits are also considered Class I. Patients any age with ≥5 unscheduled acute care visits and/or with severe damage to bone, retina, heart, lung, kidney, or brain are classified as Class III (except patients ≥25 years with severe retinopathy, no chronic pain, and 0-1 unscheduled acute care visits, who are considered Class II). Patients not meeting these Class I or III definitions are classified as Class II.

Conclusion

This system consolidates patient characteristics into homogenous groups with respect to disease state to support clinical decision-making. The system is consistent with existing literature that increased unscheduled acute care visits and organ damage translate into clinically significant patient morbidity. Studies to further validate this system are planned.

Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Guidelines, and Antibiotic Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: A Narrative Review

The most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis is infection by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), commonly known as strep throat. 5-15% of adults and 15-35% of children in the United States with pharyngitis have a GABHS infection. The symptoms of GABHS overlap with non-GABHS and viral causes of acute pharyngitis, complicating the problem of diagnosis. A careful physical examination and patient history is the starting point for diagnosing GABHS. After a physical examination and patient history is completed, five types of diagnostic methods can be used to ascertain the presence of a GABHS infection: clinical scoring systems, rapid antigen detection tests, throat culture, nucleic acid amplification tests, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. Clinical guidelines developed by professional associations can help medical professionals choose among available techniques to diagnose strep throat. However, guidelines for diagnosing GABHS created by the American and European professional associations vary significantly, and there is substantial evidence that most physicians do not follow any published guidelines. Treatment for GABHS using analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics seeks to provide symptom relief, shorten the duration of illness, prevent nonsuppurative and suppurative complications, and decrease the risk of contagion, while minimizing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. There is broad agreement that antibiotics with narrow spectrums of activity are appropriate for treating strep throat. But whether and when patients should be treated with antibiotics for GABHS remains a controversial question. There is no clearly superior management strategy for strep throat, as significant controversy exists regarding the best methods to diagnose GABHS and under what conditions antibiotics should be prescribed.

Comparison of Centor and McIsaac scores in primary care: a meta-analysis over multiple thresholds

Background

Centor and McIsaac scores are both used to diagnose group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infection, but have not been compared through meta-analysis.

Aim

To compare the performance of Centor and McIsaac scores at diagnosing patients with GABHS presenting to primary care with pharyngitis.

Design and setting

A meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies conducted in primary care was performed using a novel model that incorporates data at multiple thresholds.

Method

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published between January 1980 and February 2019. Included studies were: cross-sectional; recruited patients with sore throats from primary care; used the Centor or McIsaac score; had GABHS infection as the target diagnosis; used throat swab culture as the reference standard; and reported 2 × 2 tables across multiple thresholds. Selection and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. QUADAS-2 was used to assess study quality. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were synthesised. Calibration curves were used to assess the transferability of results into practice.

Results

Ten studies using the Centor score and eight using the McIsaac score were included. The prevalence of GABHS ranged between 4% and 44%. The areas under the SROC curves for McIsaac and Centor scores were 0.7052 and 0.6888, respectively. The P-value for the difference (0.0164) was 0.419, suggesting the SROC curves for the tests are equivalent. Both scores demonstrated poor calibration.

Conclusion

Both Centor and McIsaac scores provide only fair discrimination of those with and without GABHS, and appear broadly equivalent in performance. The poor calibration for a positive test result suggests other point-of-care tests are required to rule in GABHS; however, with both Centor and McIsaac scores, a score of ≤0 may be sufficient to rule out infection.

Influenza B presenting with bicytopenia in an adult – An unusual presentation and failure of antimicrobial stewardship by a practicing physician

Influenza is a very common cause of upper respiratory illness, rarely presented with bicytopenia, and is being wrongly treated with antimicrobials many-a-times. We report a case of 36-year-old North-Indian man, physician by profession who presented with a 5-day history of typical upper respiratory tract symptoms (sore throat, irritative cough, hoarseness of voice, coryza) and high-grade fever for which he took antibiotics (initially levofloxacin for 2-days, followed by azithromycin) after self-prescription. He developed hematological involvement (leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) for which he was admitted. Throat swab tested positive for Influenza B by RT-PCR. This case highlights a rare presentation of influenza as bicytopenia which rapidly improved with oseltamivir given for 5-days. This is also a classic case of lack of antimicrobial stewardship practice by a physician while self-treating viral pharyngitis. There is a pressing need to create more awareness regarding appropriate use of antimicrobial resources among doctors, only then will others follow.

Developing a framework for evidence-based grading and assessment of predictive tools for clinical decision support

BACKGROUND

Clinical predictive tools quantify contributions of relevant patient characteristics to derive likelihood of diseases or predict clinical outcomes. When selecting predictive tools for implementation at clinical practice or for recommendation in clinical guidelines, clinicians are challenged with an overwhelming and ever-growing number of tools, most of which have never been implemented or assessed for comparative effectiveness. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a conceptual framework to Grade and Assess Predictive tools (GRASP) that can provide clinicians with a standardised, evidence-based system to support their search for and selection of efficient tools.

METHODS

A focused review of the literature was conducted to extract criteria along which tools should be evaluated. An initial framework was designed and applied to assess and grade five tools: LACE Index, Centor Score, Well's Criteria, Modified Early Warning Score, and Ottawa knee rule. After peer review, by six expert clinicians and healthcare researchers, the framework and the grading of the tools were updated.

RESULTS

GRASP framework grades predictive tools based on published evidence across three dimensions: 1) Phase of evaluation; 2) Level of evidence; and 3) Direction of evidence. The final grade of a tool is based on the highest phase of evaluation, supported by the highest level of positive evidence, or mixed evidence that supports a positive conclusion. Ottawa knee rule had the highest grade since it has demonstrated positive post-implementation impact on healthcare. LACE Index had the lowest grade, having demonstrated only pre-implementation positive predictive performance.

CONCLUSION

GRASP framework builds on widely accepted concepts to provide standardised assessment and evidence-based grading of predictive tools. Unlike other methods, GRASP is based on the critical appraisal of published evidence reporting the tools' predictive performance before implementation, potential effect and usability during implementation, and their post-implementation impact. Implementing the GRASP framework as an online platform can enable clinicians and guideline developers to access standardised and structured reported evidence of existing predictive tools. However, keeping GRASP reports up-to-date would require updating tools' assessments and grades when new evidence becomes available, which can only be done efficiently by employing semi-automated methods for searching and processing the incoming information.

Overdiagnosis paradigm: not suitable for decreasing the overuse of antibiotics

This paper summarises the discussion during the workshop on 'Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of infectious diseases in general practice. How and where to break the endless loop?' The workshop was organised as part of the overdiagnosis conference carried out in August 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark. During the workshop, participants from all over the world reflected on the challenges of embracing the overdiagnosis paradigm as a tool to advance understanding and to find solutions to the unnecessary use of antibiotics in primary health care. It was concluded that the narrow view of the overdiagnosis paradigm does not provide theoretical resources to address the problem of the inherent connection between diagnostic error and treatment decision. In contrast to the overdiagnosis paradigm, the too much medicine paradigm is an umbrella term suitable to frame actions that recognise the complexity of the decision-making process during the consultation and its impact on overtreatment.

Novel Image Processing Method for Detecting Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis) Using Smartphone

In this paper, we propose a novel strep throat detection method using a smartphone with an add-on gadget. Our smartphone-based strep throat detection method is based on the use of camera and flashlight embedded in a smartphone. The proposed algorithm acquires throat image using a smartphone with a gadget, processes the acquired images using color transformation and color correction algorithms, and finally classifies streptococcal pharyngitis (or strep) throat from healthy throat using machine learning techniques. Our developed gadget was designed to minimize the reflection of light entering the camera sensor. The scope of this paper is confined to binary classification between strep and healthy throats. Specifically, we adopted k-fold validation technique for classification, which finds the best decision boundary from training and validation sets and applies the acquired best decision boundary to the test sets. Experimental results show that our proposed detection method detects strep throats with 93.75% accuracy, 88% specificity, and 87.5% sensitivity on average.

Clinical gestalt to diagnose pneumonia, sinusitis, and pharyngitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The overall clinical impression ('clinical gestalt') is widely used for diagnosis but its accuracy has not been systematically studied.

AIM

To determine the accuracy of clinical gestalt for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), and streptococcal pharyngitis, and to contrast it with the accuracy of clinical decision rules (CDRs).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review and meta-analysis of outpatient diagnostic accuracy studies in ambulatory care.

METHOD

PubMed and Google were searched for studies in outpatients that reported sufficient data to calculate accuracy of the overall clinical impression and that used the same reference standard. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2), and measures of accuracy calculated using bivariate meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The authors identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The summary estimates for the positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios (LR-) were LR+ 7.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.8 to 11.5, and LR- 0.54, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.65 for CAP in adults, LR+ 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.3 and LR- 0.63, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.98 for CAP in children, LR+ 3.0, 95% CI = 2.1 to 4.4 and LR- 0.37, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.46 for ARS in adults, LR+ 3.9, 95% CI = 2.4 to 5.9 and LR- 0.33, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.50 for ABRS in adults, and LR+ 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.8 and LR- 0.47, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.60 for streptococcal pharyngitis in adults and children. The diagnostic odds ratios were highest for CAP in adults (14.2, 95% CI = 9.0 to 21.0), ARS in adults (8.3, 95% CI = 4.9 to 13.1), and ABRS in adults (13.0, 95% CI = 5.0 to 27.0), as were the C-statistics (0.80, 0.77, and 0.84 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of the overall clinical impression compares favourably with the accuracy of CDRs. Studies of diagnostic accuracy should routinely include the overall clinical impression in addition to individual signs and symptoms, and research is needed to optimise its teaching.

Management of sore throat in Danish general practices

BACKGROUND

The national guideline for sore throat, endorsed by the Danish Society of General Medicine, recommends the use of the modified Centor score and streptococcal rapid antigen detection test to guide diagnosis and treatment of sore throat. The aim was to investigate Danish general practitioners (GPs) routine management of sore throat patients with a focus on the modalities used and adherence to the guideline.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study. GPs in the Central Denmark Region answered an online questionnaire in October 2017. The main outcome measure was modalities used in the management of sore throat patients.

RESULTS

In total, 266 of 500 (53%) GPs answered the survey. Ten percent of participants were adherent or almost adherent to the guideline, while 82% of GPs added one or more extra modalities (general clinical assessment (67%), biochemical parameters (48%), and throat swabs for bacterial culture (18%)) to differentiate viral and bacterial etiology. Sixty-five percent of participants used the Centor Score or modified Centor Score, 96% of GPs used a streptococcal rapid antigen detection test, and all GPs chose narrow-spectrum penicillin as the first-line antibiotic. The most common reasons for non-adherence to the guideline were greater confidence in the clinical assessment (39%), time pressure (33%), and difficulty recalling the guideline (19%).

CONCLUSION

Danish GPs rarely adhere to the recommended sore throat management guideline, but use various combinations of different modalities in the assessment of bacterial infection. This practice may increase antibiotic prescription rates.

Improving pediatric emergency department physicians' adherence to clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis-a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Pharyngitis is one of the major and commonly seen presentations in pediatric emergency departments. While it could be caused by both bacterial and viral pathogens, antibiotics are improperly prescribed regardless of the pathogen. Inappropriate usage of antibiotics has risen the concern of microbial resistance and the need for stricter guidelines. Many guidelines have been validated for this reason, and the Centor score (Modified/McIsaac) is most commonly implemented. This study aims to assess the adherence and enumerate the reasons behind the suboptimal adherence to guidelines (Centor/McIsaac score) of pediatric emergency department physicians in the diagnosis and management of GABHS pharyngitis to lay the groundwork for future actions and to employ educational programs and implement local guidelines for the prevention of the development of multi-drug resistant microorganisms.

Methodology

We surveyed pediatric emergency department physicians of ten teaching hospitals of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We used convenient sampling and estimated a sample size of 170 physicians, and interns and medical centers without pediatric emergency department were excluded from the study. Elements of the Centor score (Modified/McIsaac) were used as a part of the assessment of physicians’ knowledge of the guidelines. Adherence was assessed by requiring the participants to answer questions regarding their usage of diagnostic means when they suspect a bacterial cause of pharyngitis, as recommended by the guidelines.

Results

A total of 243 physicians answered the questionnaire, 43 consultants (17.6%) and 200 non-consultants (82.4%). On the knowledge score, 9.1% scored 0, and the majority of both groups, 46.5%, earned a score of 1. The remainder 44.4%, earned a score of 2. Adherence to guidelines was defined as when diagnostic tests (throat culture or rapid antigen detection test) were always requested prior to prescribing antibiotics when acute bacterial pharyngitis was suspected. Only 27.3% (n = 67) of our sample are adherent to guidelines, whereas the majority, 72.7% (n = 175), are non-adherent. Several factors were assessed as reasons for lack of adherence.

Conclusion

Lack of knowledge and adherence to guidelines is prevalent in our setting, with awareness, knowledge, and behavior of physicians playing as major factors behind this low adherence. Studies should aim towards the assessment of adherence towards locally developed guidelines.

Clinical Screening Tools to Diagnose Group A Streptococcal Pharyngotonsillitis in Primary Care Clinics to Improve Prescribing Habits

This review highlights the clinical scoring tools used for the management of acute pharyngotonsillitis in primary care clinics. It will include the prevalence of group A pharyngotonsillitis among children and adults worldwide and the selective tests employed for diagnosing group A streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis. Pharyngotonsillitis is one of the common reasons for visits to primary care clinics worldwide, and physicians tend to prescribe antibiotics according to the clinical symptoms, which leads to overprescribing antibiotics. This in turn may lead to serious health impacts and severe reactions and may promote antibiotic resistance. These significantly add on to the health care costs. The available information from health organisations and previous studies has indicated the need to manage the diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis to improve prescribing habits in primary care clinics.

Is Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance for GP management of tonsillitis suitable? A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) developed guidelines for the management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy in 1999 to address concerns of unnecessary surgery. Emergency admissions to hospital for tonsillitis have since increased. Adults experience an average of 27 episodes of tonsillitis before undergoing tonsillectomy. We wished to explore the appropriateness of the guidance and/or its implementation in primary care.

AIM

To explore the attitudes of GPs to the referral criteria they use when managing adults presenting with acute tonsillitis.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of qualitative data from the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA) feasibility and process evaluation.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Twenty-one GPs from practices throughout the UK.

METHOD

In-depth interviews with GPs concerning both the feasibility and process evaluation phases of NATTINA. Analysis was conducted using the framework method.

RESULTS

GPs felt it was rarely necessary to refer patients. They were aware of guidelines and would refer if requested by a patient who fulfilled the guidelines criteria and/or who were missing considerable amounts of work.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the guidelines appears to coincide with what some may have hoped to be a desired effect of reducing adult sore throat referrals and subsequent tonsillectomies by increasing the number of episodes a patient must suffer before the referral threshold is met. GPs may find equipoise for tonsillectomy referral challenging as many patients express a strong preference for surgery. We believe this paper reinforces GP professionalism and patient-centred consultations, and challenges the role of clinical guidelines.

Clinical Impact of a Rapid Streptococcal Antigen Test on Antibiotic Use in Adult Patients

INTRODUCTION

Adult pharyngitis is rarely attributable to group A streptococci. Utilization of a rapid streptococcal antigen test (RADT) may improve appropriate prescribing for bacterial pharyngitis.

METHODS

Clinic 1 performed RADTs with subsequent Group A DNA probe test (GADNA) from November 2014-March 2015 and November 2015-March 2016 while Clinic 2 was the control clinic, then implemented the RADT with a GADNA from November 2015-March 2016. All GADNA results were obtained for each clinic from October 2013-March 2016.

RESULTS

At Clinic 1, 22.2% versus 8.5% of patients received inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for a GADNA or RADT result, respectively (p=0.048). For Clinic 2, 51.1% compared to 21.4% of patients were inappropriately prescribed antibiotic for a GADNA or RADT result, respectively (p=0.038). Overall, the total GADNA without RADT testing or RADTs with subsequent GADNA testing, 41.6% versus 11% of patients were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics, respectively (p=<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Utilizing the RADT prevented unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics in adults.

Influence of the duration of penicillin prescriptions on outcomes for acute sore throat in adults: the DESCARTE prospective cohort study in UK general practice

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend 10-day treatment courses for acute sore throat, but shorter courses may be used in practice.

AIM

To determine whether antibiotic duration predicts adverse outcome of acute sore throat in adults in routine care.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A secondary analysis of the DESCARTE (Decision rule for the Symptoms and Complications of Acute Red Throat in Everyday practice) prospective cohort study of 12 829 adults presenting in UK general practice with acute sore throat.

METHOD

A brief clinical proforma was used to collect symptom severity and examination findings at presentation. Outcomes were collected by notes review, a sample also completed a symptom diary. The primary outcome was re-consultation with new/non-resolving symptoms within 1 month. The secondary outcome was 'global' poorer symptom control (longer than the median duration or higher than median severity).

RESULTS

Antibiotics were prescribed for 62% (7872/12 677) of participants. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was phenoxymethylpenicillin (76%, 5656/7474) and prescription durations were largely for 5 (20%), 7 (57%), or 10 (22%) days. Compared with 5-day courses, those receiving longer courses were less likely to re-consult with new or non-resolving symptoms (5 days 15.3%, 7 days 13.9%, 10 days 12.2%, 7-day course adjusted risk ratio (RR) 0.92 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76 to 1.11] and 10-days RR 0.86 [95% CI = 0.59 to 1.23]) but these differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

In adults prescribed antibiotics for sore throat, the authors cannot rule out a small advantage in terms of reduced re-consultation for a 10-day course of penicillin, but the effect is likely to be small.

Scarlet fever: a guide for general practitioners

There has been an increase in the incidence of scarlet fever with most cases presenting in General Practice and Emergency Departments. Cases present with a distinctive macro-papular rash, usually in children. This article aims to increase awareness of scarlet fever by highlighting key symptoms and stating potential complications if untreated. In patients who have the typical symptoms, a prescription of a suitable antibiotic such as phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) should be made immediately to reduce the risk of complications and the spread of infection.

A feasibility service evaluation of screening and treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in community pharmacies

OBJECTIVES

The UK 5 year antimicrobial resistance strategy recognizes the role of point-of-care diagnostics to identify where antimicrobials are required, as well as to assess the appropriateness of the diagnosis and treatment. A sore throat test-and-treat service was introduced in 35 community pharmacies across two localities in England during 2014-15.

METHODS

Trained pharmacy staff assessed patients presenting with a sore throat using the Centor scoring system and patients meeting three or all four of the criteria were offered a throat swab test for Streptococcus pyogenes, Lancefield group A streptococci. Patients with a positive throat swab test were offered antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

Following screening by pharmacy staff, 149/367 (40.6%) patients were eligible for throat swab testing. Of these, only 36/149 (24.2%) were positive for group A streptococci. Antibiotics were supplied to 9.8% (n = 36/367) of all patients accessing the service. Just under half of patients that were not showing signs of a bacterial infection (60/123, 48.8%) would have gone to their general practitioner if the service had not been available.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that it is feasible to deliver a community-pharmacy-based screening and treatment service using point-of-care testing. This type of service has the potential to support the antimicrobial resistance agenda by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and inappropriate antibiotic consumption.

Uncertainty in clinical practice - an interview study with Swedish GPs on patients with sore throat

BACKGROUND

Uncertainty is inevitable in clinical practice in primary care and tolerance for uncertainty and concern for bad outcomes has been shown to vary between physicians. Uncertainty is a factor for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Evidence-based guidelines as well as near-patient tests are suggested tools to decrease uncertainty in the management of patients with respiratory tract infections. The aim of this paper was to describe strategies for coping with uncertainty in patients with pharyngotonsillitis in relation to guidelines.

METHODS

An interview study was conducted among a strategic sample of 25 general practitioners (GPs).

RESULTS

All GPs mentioned potential dangerous differential diagnoses and complications. Four strategies for coping with uncertainty were identified, one of which was compliant with guidelines, "Adherence to guidelines", and three were idiosyncratic: "Clinical picture and C-reactive protein (CRP)", "Expanded control", and "Unstructured". The residual uncertainty differed for the different strategies: in the strategy "Adherence to guidelines" and "Clinical picture and CRP" uncertainty was avoided, based either on adherence to guidelines or on the clinical picture and near-patient CRP; in the strategy "Expanded control" uncertainty was balanced based on expanded control; and in the strategy "Unstructured" uncertainty prevailed in spite of redundant examination and anamnesis.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the GPs avoided uncertainty and deemed they had no problems. Their strategies either adhered to guidelines or comprised excessive use of tests. Thus use of guidelines as well as use of more near-patient tests seemed associated to reduced uncertainty, although the later strategy at the expense of compliance to guidelines. A few GPs did not manage to cope with uncertainty or had to put in excessive work to control uncertainty.

Efficacy and safety of Qi-Wei-Qing-Yan aerosol in treatment of acute pharyngitis (lung-stomach excess-heat syndrome): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Acute pharyngitis accounts for an estimated 15 million patient visits in the United States. However, there is no proven effective and safe treatment. Although Chinese herbal medicine is widely used in the treatment of acute pharyngitis, there is a lack of evidence-based data. Despite several clinical trials conducted in this setting, no randomized placebo-controlled trial has been performed to date. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of Qi-Wei-Qing-Yan aerosol (QWQYA), a Chinese herbal prescription, compared with a placebo aerosol in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with lung-stomach excess-heat syndrome.

Methods/design

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 420 adult patients, of either sex, with acute pharyngitis will be enrolled from seven study sites across China. All patients will be randomly allocated to one of three parallel treatment groups: (1) QWQYA with the current propellant, (2) QWQYA with a previous propellant, and (3) the placebo aerosol with the current propellant. The study medication will be administered into the pharyngeal region in three sprays thrice daily for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcome measures are time to complete resolution of sore throat and relief rate of sore throat. Secondary outcome measures include resolution rate of sore throat, time to relief of sore throat, intensity of sore throat, and change of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and clinical signs score from baseline to post-treatment, as well as the occurrence of any adverse events.

Discussion

This will be the first clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of QWQYA in the treatment of acute pharyngitis in an adult population in a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled manner. Not only might it establish the basis for the efficacy and safety of QWQYA in treating acute pharyngitis, but it might also provide evidence to support the use of Chinese herbal medicine in treating acute pharyngitis and thus support an alternative treatment option for management of acute pharyngitis.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-15005991.

Tonsillitis in children: unnecessary laboratory studies and antibiotic use

BACKGROUND

The Finnish Current Care Guidelines on diagnostics and treatment of sore throat recommend the treatment of only group A streptococcus (GAS) positive cases with penicillin. The aim of the study was to evaluate how these guidelines are followed in the pediatric emergency unit.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the data on microbiological studies and blood tests done, and data on prescribing of antibiotics, of 200 children admitted for febrile exudative tonsillitis.

RESULTS

After the clinical diagnosis of exudative tonsillitis, antigen test and/or culture for GAS identification was done in >95% of cases. All the 32 (16%) children with GAS infection, but also 52 (38%) of the 137 children without any evidence of bacterial infection received antibiotics. Additional laboratory studies were done in 96% of children. Serum C-reactive concentrations or white blood cell counts were not able to separate streptococcal from non-streptococcal tonsillitis. No serious bacterial infection was diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

The Finnish Current Care Guidelines lead to over-treatment with antibiotics. None of the 200 children returned after discharge, suggesting that undertreatment did not happen.

Evaluating the therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, and safety of an aqueous extract of Costus speciosus rhizome in acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis. A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of an aqueous extract of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) rhizome in pediatric and adult patients suffering from acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis as an alternative to antibiotics use.

METHODS

This pilot cohort trial was conducted at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia between May and December 2014, among 15 patients with acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis who were administered nasal drops of aqueous extract of C. speciosus rhizome at a dose of 15-30 drops every 8 hours for 3 days. The primary outcome measure was the clinical improvement and remission rate within the first 5 days.

RESULTS

The administration of C. speciosus resulted in an improvement in acute symptoms in 60% of the patients treated within the first 24 hours, and remission rate of 93% by day 5, without any recorded adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a significant efficacy of the aqueous extract of C. speciosus rhizome in acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Near-patient tests and the clinical gaze in decision-making of Swedish GPs not following current guidelines for sore throat - a qualitative interview study

Background

Excessive antibiotics use increases the risk of resistance. Previous studies have shown that the Centor score combined with Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) for Group A Streptococci can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in patients with sore throat. According to the former Swedish guidelines RADT was recommended with 2–4 Centor criteria present and antibiotics were recommended if the test was positive. C- reactive protein (CRP) was not recommended for sore throats. Inappropriate use of RADT and CRP has been reported in several studies.

Methods

From a larger project 16 general practitioners (GPs) who stated management of sore throats not according to the guidelines were identified. Half-hour long semi-structured interviews were conducted. The topics were the management of sore throats and the use of near-patient tests. Qualitative content analysis was used.

Results

The use of the near-patient test interplayed with the clinical assessment and the perception that all infections caused by bacteria should be treated with antibiotics. The GPs expressed a belief that the clinical picture was sufficient for diagnosis in typical cases. RADT was not believed to be relevant since it detects only one bacterium, while CRP was considered as a reliable numerical measure of bacterial infection.

Conclusions

Inappropriate use of near-patient test can partly be understood as remnants of outdated knowledge. When new guidelines are introduced the differences between them and the former need to be discussed more explicitly.

Sore throat in primary care project: a clinical score to diagnose viral sore throat

OBJECTIVE

Viral agents cause the majority of sore throats. However, there is not currently a score to diagnose viral sore throat. The aims of this study were (i) to find the rate of bacterial and viral causes, (ii) to show the seasonal variations and (iii) to form a new scoring system to diagnose viral sore throat.

METHODS

A throat culture for group A beta haemolytic streptococci (GABHS) and a nasopharyngeal swab to detect 16 respiratory viruses were obtained from each patient. Over a period of 52 weeks, a total of 624 throat cultures and polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find the clinical score.

RESULTS

Viral infection was found in 277 patients (44.3%), and GABHS infection was found in 116 patients (18.5%). An infectious cause was found in 356 patients (57.1%). Rhinovirus was the most commonly detected infectious agent overall (highest in November, 34.5%), and the highest GABHS rate was in November (32.7%). Analysis of data provided a scoring system, called the Mistik Score, to diagnose viral sore throat. The predictive model for positive viral analysis included the following variables: absence of headache, stuffy nose, sneezing, temperature of ≥37.5°C on physical examination, and the absence of tonsillar exudate and/or swelling. The probability of a positive viral analysis for a score of 5 was 82.1%.

CONCLUSION

The Mistik Score may be useful to diagnose viral sore throat. We suggest its use either alone or in combination with the Modified Centor Score.

A simplified approach to the pooled analysis of calibration of clinical prediction rules for systematic reviews of validation studies

Objective

Estimating calibration performance of clinical prediction rules (CPRs) in systematic reviews of validation studies is not possible when predicted values are neither published nor accessible or sufficient or no individual participant or patient data are available. Our aims were to describe a simplified approach for outcomes prediction and calibration assessment and evaluate its functionality and validity.

Study design and methods:

Methodological study of systematic reviews of validation studies of CPRs: a) ABCD² rule for prediction of 7 day stroke; and b) CRB-65 rule for prediction of 30 day mortality. Predicted outcomes in a sample validation study were computed by CPR distribution patterns (“derivation model”). As confirmation, a logistic regression model (with derivation study coefficients) was applied to CPR-based dummy variables in the validation study. Meta-analysis of validation studies provided pooled estimates of “predicted:observed” risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and indexes of heterogeneity (I²) on forest plots (fixed and random effects models), with and without adjustment of intercepts. The above approach was also applied to the CRB-65 rule.

Results

Our simplified method, applied to ABCD² rule in three risk strata (low, 0–3; intermediate, 4–5; high, 6–7 points), indicated that predictions are identical to those computed by univariate, CPR-based logistic regression model. Discrimination was good (c-statistics =0.61–0.82), however, calibration in some studies was low. In such cases with miscalibration, the under-prediction (RRs =0.73–0.91, 95% CIs 0.41–1.48) could be further corrected by intercept adjustment to account for incidence differences. An improvement of both heterogeneities and P-values (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test) was observed. Better calibration and improved pooled RRs (0.90–1.06), with narrower 95% CIs (0.57–1.41) were achieved.

Conclusion

Our results have an immediate clinical implication in situations when predicted outcomes in CPR validation studies are lacking or deficient by describing how such predictions can be obtained by everyone using the derivation study alone, without any need for highly specialized knowledge or sophisticated statistics.

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges in patients with/without group A or C streptococcal throat infection, with an assessment of clinicians' prediction of 'strep throat'

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing group A streptococcus (Strep A) throat infection by clinical examination is difficult, and misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate antibiotic use. Most patients with sore throat seek symptom relief rather than antibiotics, therefore, therapies that relieve symptoms should be recommended to patients. We report two clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge in patients with and without streptococcal sore throat.

METHODS

The studies enrolled adults with moderate-to-severe throat symptoms (sore throat pain, difficulty swallowing and swollen throat) and a diagnosis of pharyngitis. The practitioner assessed the likelihood of Strep A infection based on historical and clinical findings. Patients were randomised to flurbiprofen 8.75 mg or placebo lozenges under double-blind conditions and reported the three throat symptoms at baseline and at regular intervals over 24 h.

RESULTS

A total of 402 patients received study medication (n = 203 flurbiprofen, n = 199 placebo). Throat culture identified Strep A in 10.0% of patients and group C streptococcus (Strep C) in a further 14.0%. The practitioners' assessments correctly diagnosed Strep A in 11/40 cases (sensitivity 27.5%, and specificity 79.7%). A single flurbiprofen lozenge provided significantly greater relief than placebo for all three throat symptoms, lasting 3-4 h for patients with and without Strep A/C. Multiple doses of flurbiprofen lozenges over 24 h also led to symptom relief, although not statistically significant in the Strep A/C group. There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the challenge of identifying Strep A based on clinical features. With the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, non-antibiotic treatments should be considered. As demonstrated here, flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges are an effective therapeutic option, providing immediate and long-lasting symptom relief in patients with and without Strep A/C infection.

What is the test's accuracy in my practice population? Tailored meta-analysis provides a plausible estimate

OBJECTIVES

Diagnostic test accuracy studies and meta-analyses may, in some cases, provide estimates that are highly improbable in practice; tailored meta-analysis provides a potential solution. To investigate the utility of tailored meta-analysis in synthesizing estimates of a test's accuracy compared with conventional meta-analysis for three case examples.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies, and routine data were collected on the test positive rate and disease prevalence from the case settings to define an applicable region for each setting. Three cases were evaluated: mammography in the NHS Breast Screening Programme, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to screen for depression in general practice, and Centor's criteria used to diagnose group A β-hemolytic streptococcus in general practice. For conventional meta-analysis, studies were selected using standard systematic review methods; for tailored meta-analysis, this selection was refined to those with results compatible with the applicable region for the setting.

RESULTS

In each example, studies were excluded as a result of incorporating an applicable region for the setting. Comparing tailored with conventional meta-analysis, the positive likelihood ratios (with 95% confidence intervals in brackets) were 36.5 (23.0, 57.9) and 19.8 (12.8, 30.9), respectively, for mammography and 4.89 (2.02, 11.8) and 2.35 (1.51, 3.67), respectively, for Centor's criteria. This had the effect of increasing the positive predictive value from 17% to 27% for mammography and 23% to 38% for Centor's criteria.

CONCLUSION

Tailored meta-analysis has the potential to provide a plausible estimate for a test's accuracy, which is specific to the practice setting. When compared with conventional meta-analysis, the difference may, in some cases, be sufficient to lead to different decisions on patient management.

Management of patients with sore throats in relation to guidelines: an interview study in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

To explore how a group of Swedish general practitioners (GPs) manage patients with a sore throat in relation to current guidelines as expressed in interviews.

DESIGN

Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

Swedish primary care.

SUBJECTS

A strategic sample of 25 GPs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Perceived management of sore throat patients.

RESULTS

It was found that nine of the interviewed GPs were adherent to current guidelines for sore throat and 16 were non-adherent. The two groups differed in terms of guideline knowledge, which was shared within the team for adherent GPs while idiosyncratic knowledge dominated for the non-adherent GPs. Adherent GPs had no or low concerns for bacterial infections and differential diagnosis whilst non-adherent GPs believed that in patients with a sore throat any bacterial infection should be identified and treated with antibiotics. Patient history and examination was mainly targeted by adherent GPs whilst for non-adherent GPs it was often redundant. Non-adherent GPs reported problems getting patients to abstain from antibiotics, whilst no such problems were reported in adherent GPs.

CONCLUSION

This interview study of sore throat management in a strategically sampled group of Swedish GPs showed that while two-thirds were non-adherent and had a liberal attitude to antibiotics one-third were guideline adherent with a restricted view on antibiotics. Non-adherent GPs revealed significant knowledge gaps. Adherent GPs had discussed guidelines within the primary care team while non-adherent GPs had not. Guideline implementation thus seemed to be promoted by knowledge shared in team discussions.

Sore throat: effective communication delivers improved diagnosis, enhanced self-care and more rational use of antibiotics

The majority of throat infections are of viral origin and resolve without antibiotic treatment. Despite this, antibiotic use for sore throat infections remains high, partly because it is difficult to determine when antibiotics may be useful, on the basis of physical findings alone. Antibiotics may be beneficial in bacterial throat infections under certain clinical and epidemiological circumstances; however, even many of those infections in which bacteria play a role do resolve just as quickly without antibiotics. Furthermore, non-medical factors such as patient expectations and patient pressure are also important drivers of antibiotic use. To address these issues, a behavioural change is required that can be facilitated by improved communication between primary healthcare providers and patients. In this article, we provide doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff, working in primary care or in the community, with a structured approach to sore throat management, with the aim of educating and empowering patients to self-manage their condition. The first component of this approach involves identifying and addressing patients' expectations and concerns with regard to their sore throat and eliciting their opinion on antibiotics. The second part is dedicated to a pragmatic assessment of the severity of the condition, with attention to red-flag symptoms and risk factors for serious complications. Rather than just focusing on the cause (bacterial or viral) of the upper respiratory tract infections as a rationale for antibiotic use, healthcare providers should instead consider the severity of the patient's condition and whether they are at high risk of complications. The third part involves counselling patients on effective self-management options and providing information on the expected clinical course. Such a structured approach to sore throat management, using empathetic, non-paternalistic language, combined with written patient information, will help to drive patient confidence in self-care and encourage them to accept the self-limiting character of the illness - important steps towards improving antibiotic stewardship in acute throat infections.

Antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in the Asia-Pacific region: A brief review

This review highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in a larger part of the Asia-Pacific region. Since URTIs are one of the common reasons for primary care consultations in this region, inappropriate use of antibiotic in both quantity and drug choice has greatly influenced the development of antibiotic resistance. Notwithstanding the paucity of Asia-Pacific data on the above issues, the available information suggests urgent actions needed to be taken to promote judicious antibiotic use at the point-of-care through a multi-pronged approach targeting the patients/consumers (or parents), healthcare providers and health care systems.

Maternal and Fetal Death following Group A Streptococcal Meningitis in Mid-Term Pregnancy

Background. Group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis is rarely seen in the antenatal period, but it is associated with significant mortality. We present a case of a mid-trimester woman who developed fulminant meningitis following a rapid onset atypical presentation of infection with this organism. Case. A multiparous 23(+5)-week woman presented with a 10-day history of a non-productive cough associated with pyrexia. Within minutes of her admission she collapsed and lost consciousness; sepsis was suspected and cross-specialty care was initiated. She was managed empirically in extremis with broad-spectrum antibiotics and mannitol with 3% hypertonic saline for suspected infection and raised intracranial pressure, respectively. Despite intensivist management, a CT head revealed diffuse oedema with coning of the cerebellar tonsils. Brainstem death was certified within 19 hours of admission and fetal death ensued. Postmortem bacteriology confirmed GAS meningitis. Conclusion. Through raising awareness of this patient and her disease course, we hope that future policy decisions, primary care, and hospital level management will be informed accordingly for treatment of pregnant women with suspected GAS infection.

PRImary care Streptococcal Management (PRISM) study: identifying clinical variables associated with Lancefield group A β-haemolytic streptococci and Lancefield non-Group A streptococcal throat infections from two cohorts of patients presenting with an acute sore throat

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between features of acute sore throat and the growth of streptococci from culturing a throat swab.

DESIGN

Diagnostic cohort.

SETTING

UK general practices.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 5 or over presenting with an acute sore throat. Patients were recruited for a second cohort (cohort 2, n=517) consecutively after the first (cohort 1, n=606) from similar practices.

MAIN OUTCOME

Predictors of the presence of Lancefield A/C/G streptococci.

RESULTS

The clinical score developed from cohort 1 had poor discrimination in cohort 2 (bootstrapped estimate of area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (0.65), due to the poor validity of the individual items in the second data set. Variables significant in multivariate analysis in both cohorts were rapid attendance (prior duration 3 days or less; multivariate adjusted OR 1.92 cohort, 1.67 cohort 2); fever in the last 24 h (1.69, 2.40); and doctor assessment of severity (severely inflamed pharynx/tonsils (2.28, 2.29)). The absence of coryza or cough and purulent tonsils were significant in univariate analysis in both cohorts and in multivariate analysis in one cohort. A five-item score based on Fever, Purulence, Attend rapidly (3 days or less), severely Inflamed tonsils and No cough or coryza (FeverPAIN) had moderate predictive value (bootstrapped area under the ROC curve 0.73 cohort 1, 0.71 cohort 2) and identified a substantial number of participants at low risk of streptococcal infection (38% in cohort 1, 36% in cohort 2 scored ≤1, associated with a streptococcal percentage of 13% and 18%, respectively). A Centor score of ≤1 identified 23% and 26% of participants with streptococcal percentages of 10% and 28%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Items widely used to help identify streptococcal sore throat may not be the most consistent. A modified clinical scoring system (FeverPAIN) which requires further validation may be clinically helpful in identifying individuals who are unlikely to have major pathogenic streptococci.

Management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis: still the subject of controversy

Although most cases of acute pharyngitis are viral in origin, antibiotics are overused in its treatment. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS), the principal bacterial pathogen of acute sore throat, is responsible for merely 5-30% of cases. Moreover, GAS pharyngitis is currently the only commonly occurring form of acute pharyngitis for which antibiotic therapy is definitely indicated. Therefore the differentiation between GAS pharyngitis and that of viral etiology is crucial. Accordingly, scientific societies as well as respected advisory bodies in Europe and North America, issued guidelines for the management of acute pharyngitis with the aim of minimizing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in its treatment. The aim of this review work is to confront the state of the art in acute GAS pharyngitis diagnosis and treatment with different approaches to its management represented by current European and North American guidelines. Although based on scientific evidence, international guidelines differ substantially in opinions whether GAS pharyngitis diagnosis should be based on microbiological testing, clinical algorithm or a combination of both. On the other hand, some European guidelines consider GAS pharyngitis to be a mild, self-limiting disease that does not require a specific diagnosis or antimicrobial treatment except in high-risk patients. There is an agreement among guidelines that if antibiotic therapy is indicated, phenoxymethyl penicillin should be the drug of choice to treat GAS pharyngitis.