Thursday, December 04, 2014

Prophylactic antibiotics in COPD

From a recent JAMA report (Clinical Evidence Synopsis):

Clinical Question Is prophylactic antibiotic treatment associated with fewer exacerbations or improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Bottom Line Continuous macrolide antibiotic use for prophylaxis was associated with a clinically significant reduction in COPD exacerbations. Pulsed antibiotic use was not associated with benefit. Continuous and pulsed antibiotics were associated with improved HRQOL, but this was not clinically significant.

Roflumilast is also available to prevent COPD exacerbations in selected patients.

No comments: