Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Abstract Background Low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in differentiating bacterial from viral causes of febrile illnesses, leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of an intervention package comprising diagnostic tests, a diagnostic algorithm, and a training-and-communication package on antibiotic prescriptions and clinical outcomes. Methods Patients aged 6 months to 18 years with fever or history of fever within the past 7 days with no focus, or a suspected respiratory tract infection, arriving at 2 health facilities were randomized to either the intervention package or standard practice. The primary outcomes were the proportions of patients who recovered at day 7 (D7) and patients prescribed antibiotics at day 0. Results Of 1718 patients randomized, 1681 (97.8%; intervention: 844; control: 837) completed follow-up: 99.5% recovered at D7 in the intervention arm versus 100% in standard practice (P = .135). Antibiotics were prescribed to 40.6% of patients in the intervention group versus 57.5% in the control arm (risk ratio: 29.3%; 95% CI: 21.8–36.0%; risk difference [RD]: −16.8%; 95% CI: −21.7% to −12.0%; P < .001), which translates to 1 additional antibiotic prescription saved every 6 (95% CI: 5–8) consultations. This reduction was significant regardless of test results for malaria, but was greater in patients without malaria (RD: −46.0%; −54.7% to −37.4%; P < .001), those with a respiratory diagnosis (RD: −38.2%; −43.8% to −32.6%; P < .001), and in children 6–59 months old (RD: −20.4%; −26.0% to −14.9%; P < .001). Except for the period July–September, the reduction was consistent across the other quarters (P < .001). Conclusions The implementation of the package can reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription without compromising clinical outcomes. Clinical Trials Registration clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04081051.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/cid/ciad331

Type

Journal

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Publication Date

25/07/2023

Volume

77

Pages

S134 - S144