Influence of CRP testing and clinical findings on antibiotic prescribing in adults presenting with acute cough in primary care

Jakobsen, Kristin Alise, Melbye, Hasse, Kelly, Mark James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7744-3780, Ceynowa, Christina, Mölstad, Sigvard, Hood, Kerenza ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5268-8631 and Butler, Christopher Collett ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0102-3453 2010. Influence of CRP testing and clinical findings on antibiotic prescribing in adults presenting with acute cough in primary care. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 28 (4) , pp. 229-236. 10.3109/02813432.2010.506995

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Abstract

Objective. Respiratory tract infections are the most common indication for antibiotic prescribing in primary care. The value of clinical findings in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is known to be overrated. This study aimed to determine the independent influence of a point of care test (POCT) for C-reactive protein (CRP) on the prescription of antibiotics in patients with acute cough or symptoms suggestive of LRTI, and how symptoms and chest findings influence the decision to prescribe when the test is and is not used. Design. Prospective observational study of presentation and management of acute cough/LRTI in adults. Setting. Primary care research networks in Norway, Sweden, and Wales. Subjects. Adult patients contacting their GP with symptoms of acute cough/LRTI. Main outcome measures. Predictors of antibiotic prescribing were evaluated in those tested and those not tested with a POCT for CRP using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. A total of 803 patients were recruited in the three networks. Among the 372 patients tested with a POCT for CRP, the CRP value was the strongest independent predictor of antibiotic prescribing, with an odds ratio (OR) of CRP ≥ 50 mg/L of 98.1. Crackles on auscultation and a patient preference for antibiotics perceived by the GP were the strongest predictors of antibiotic prescribing when the CRP test was not used. Conclusions. The CRP result is a major influence in the decision whether or not to prescribe antibiotics for acute cough. Clinicians attach less weight to discoloured sputum and abnormal lung sounds when a CRP value is available. CRP testing could prevent undue reliance on clinical features that poorly predict benefit from antibiotic treatment. Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02813432.2010.506995

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:	antibiotic prescribing, clinical findings, CRP, LRTI, point of care testing, primary care
Publisher:	Informa Healthcare
ISSN:	0281-3432
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 08:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/28919

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