Avaliação da antibioticoterapia na morbidade pós-adenotonsilectomia: estudo prospectivo randomizado

Role of antibiotics in post-tonsillectomy morbidities; A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of postoperative antibiotics on post-tonsillectomy morbidities.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review.

METHODS

Published papers and electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Embase) were searched from January 1985 up to March 2016 using the following key words in different combinations; Tonsil; Tonsillectomy; Post-tonsillectomy; Adenotonsillectomy; Antibiotics; Post-tonsillectomy morbidity; Bleeding; Secondary Hemorrhage. Twelve randomized control clinical trials fit the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. We evaluated 5 outcomes, hemorrhage, return to normal diet, return to normal activities, fever and pain.

RESULTS

As regards secondary hemorrhage pooled analysis of 1397 patients revealed a relative risk (risk ratio, RR) of 1.052 with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.739-1.497 (P-value, 0.779). As for return to normal diet pooled analysis of 527 patients showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.058 day with 95% CI of -0.233 to 0.118 (P-value, 0.518). As for return to normal activities pooled analysis of 257 patients showed a SMD of -0.014 day with a 95% CI of -0.258 to 0.230 (P-value, 0.908). As for Fever pooled analysis of 656 patients revealed a relative risk of 1.265 with 95% CI of 0.982-1.629 (P-value, 0.068). Finally for the postoperative pain due to the variability in the parameters used to assess the pain following tonsillectomy, we could not perform meta-analysis for this outcome.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study fail to support clear evidence to use routinely post-operative antibiotics to reduce post-tonsillectomy morbidities.

Are randomised controlled trials involving adenotonsillectomy well reported?

INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based medicine guides clinical practice. Currently, the evidence base on adenotonsillectomy is under scrutiny to establish clinical guidelines. It is therefore important that reports of clinical trials are of high quality. Guidance on reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are available in the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement first published in 1996 and revised in 2001 and 2010.

METHODS

A review of randomised controlled trials on adenotonsillectomy published after 2001 was undertaken. Each report was systematically assessed using the checklist of items from the CONSORT statement.

RESULTS

Twenty-five trials were identified. All trials, except one, were identified as a randomised controlled trial by title or abstract. Twenty percent of trials reported a sample size calculation. A third of trials reported their method of generating a random allocation sequence. Similarly, a third stated the method of implementing the random allocation. A fifth of trials reported a clear flow of trial participants, with only a single trial reporting this with the aid of a diagram.

CONCLUSION

This review shows the quality of reporting needs to be improved. Critical appraisal of poorly reported trials may result in erroneous conclusions, even though these trials may have been carried out with rigorous adherence to a protocol of high standard. Authors of clinical trial reports should be encouraged to consult the CONSORT statement.