Abstract
Significant tension surrounds the application of antibiotics in suspected infection. Guidelines stress the importance of early empirical broad-spectrum therapy, with select observational data suggesting inferior outcomes when this is delayed. In contrast, microbiological resistance is an ever increasing global problem, with many advocating for a more restricted, culture-driven approach to antibiotic prescription. Controlled trial data are urgently needed, although many clinicians would find withholding of antibiotic therapy unethical. A trial of prehospital antibiotic administration (by paramedics) in patients with suspected sepsis would therefore provide crucial data, and go a long way to determining whether earlier empirical therapy does actually improve outcomes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 270-272 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Emergency Medicine Australasia |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2018 |
Keywords
- Antibiotics
- Emergency medicine
- Prehospital care
- Sepsis