Associations with antibiotic prescribing for acute exacerbation of COPD in primary care: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Gillespie, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6934-2928, Butler, Christopher C., Bates, Janinie, Hood, Kerenza ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5268-8631, Melbye, Hadde, Phillips, Rhiannon, Stanton, Helen, Alam, Mohammed Fasihul, Cals, Jochen W.L., Cochrane, Anne, Kirby, Nigel, Llor, Carl, Lowe, Rachel, Naik, Gurudutt ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7946-2042, Riga, Evgenia, Sewll, Bernadette, Thomas-Jones, Emma, White, Patrick and Francis, Nick A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8939-7312 2021. Associations with antibiotic prescribing for acute exacerbation of COPD in primary care: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of General Practice 71 (705) , e266-e272. 10.3399/BJGP.2020.0823

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Abstract

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing can reduce antibiotic use in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care, without compromising patient care. Further safe reductions may be possible. Aim To investigate the associations between presenting features and antibiotic prescribing in patients with AECOPD in primary care. Design and setting Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial of participants presenting with AECOPD in primary care (the PACE trial). Method Clinicians collected participants’ demographic features, comorbid illnesses, clinical signs, and symptoms. Antibiotic prescribing decisions were made after participants were randomised to receive a point-of-care CRP measurement or usual care. Multivariable regression models were fitted to explore the association between patient and clinical features and antibiotic prescribing, and extended to further explore any interactions with CRP measurement category (CRP not measured, CRP <20 mg/l, or CRP ≥20 mg/l). Results A total of 649 participants from 86 general practices across England and Wales were included. Odds of antibiotic prescribing were higher in the presence of clinician-recorded crackles (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.24 to 8.41), wheeze (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.52), diminished vesicular breathing (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.70 to 5.10), or clinician-reported evidence of consolidation (AOR = 34.40, 95% CI = 2.84 to 417.27). Increased age was associated with lower odds of antibiotic prescribing (AOR per additional year increase = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95 to 1.00), as was the presence of heart failure (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.85). Conclusion Several demographic features and clinical signs and symptoms are associated with antibiotic prescribing in AECOPD. Diagnostic and prognostic value of these features may help identify further safe reductions.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine Centre for Trials Research (CNTRR)
Publisher:	Royal College of General Practitioners
ISSN:	0960-1643
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 November 2020
Date of Acceptance:	23 November 2020
Last Modified:	10 May 2023 21:33
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/136669

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