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Pediatric Subperiosteal Abscess Secondary to Acute Sinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.The Laryngoscope Dec 2020The surgical versus medical management of subperiosteal abscess can be controversial. The purpose of this study was to summarize current literature and provide pooled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
The surgical versus medical management of subperiosteal abscess can be controversial. The purpose of this study was to summarize current literature and provide pooled analyses to help direct management decisions.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Patients <18 years old with subperiosteal abscess secondary to acute sinusitis were reviewed, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Studies including five or more patients written in English were the primary search focus.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies met inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and seven studies contained sufficient data for the meta-analysis. A total of 1,167 patients between the ages of 10 days and 18 years were included. Eleven sign/symptom categories were identified, with restricted ocular motility (n = 289, 45.9%), proptosis (n = 277, 44%), and fever (n = 223, 35.4%) being most frequent. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated from cultures. Patients with abscess volume greater than the threshold specified in each individual study were over three times more likely to require surgical intervention compared to those with smaller abscess volume (pooled risk ratio [RR] = 3.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.40-5.44). Proptosis and gaze restriction also significantly predicted surgical intervention (pooled RR = 1.65: 95% CI: 1.29-2.12 for proptosis/pooled RR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.20-3.00 for gaze restriction).
CONCLUSIONS
Approximately half of patients with a subperiosteal abscess undergo surgical drainage. Abscess volume appears to be the most significant predictive risk factor. Detailed data from future studies regarding radiologic and ophthalmologic parameters are needed to provide more definitive values predictive of which patients are likely to fail medical therapy.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2a Laryngoscope, 2020.
Topics: Abscess; Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Drainage; Humans; Nasal Decongestants; Orbital Diseases; Periosteum; Sinusitis; Steroids
PubMed: 32065412
DOI: 10.1002/lary.28570 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Apr 2020Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents an aggressive form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis that is notoriously challenging to treat....
BACKGROUND
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents an aggressive form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis that is notoriously challenging to treat. There is evidence to suggest desensitization to aspirin may improve symptomatology and disease control in these patients. The goal of our study was to critically appraise the literature on this topic and assess the effect of desensitization on sinonasal symptomatology.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant literature. Studies were included if they were observational studies or randomized, controlled trials, had n > 1, and were published in English or French. Studies were excluded if they were systematic reviews. We assessed study for quality and presence of common sources of bias.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. In general, polyp size, polyp recurrence, nasal symptom scores, sense of smell, number of acute rhinosinusitis episodes, and systemic steroid use improved when patients were desensitized. The vast majority of studies recommend desensitization.
CONCLUSION
There is mounting evidence that aspirin desensitization is a valuable adjunct to treat sinonasal symptoms in the treatment of patients who have AERD.
Topics: Aspirin; Asthma, Aspirin-Induced; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Nasal Polyps; Rhinitis; Sinusitis
PubMed: 31951112
DOI: 10.1002/alr.22520 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2019Pouchitis occurs in approximately 50% of patients following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pouchitis occurs in approximately 50% of patients following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for chronic ulcerative colitis (UC).
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to determine the efficacy and safety of medical therapies for prevention or treatment of acute or chronic pouchitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to 25 July 2018. We also searched references, trials registers, and conference proceedings.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of prevention or treatment of acute or chronic pouchitis in adults who underwent IPAA for UC were considered for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The primary outcome was clinical improvement or remission in participants with acute or chronic pouchitis, or the proportion of participants with no episodes of pouchitis after IPAA. Adverse events (AEs) was a secondary outcome. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for each dichotomous outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Fifteen studies (547 participants) were included. Four studies assessed treatment of acute pouchitis. Five studies assessed treatment of chronic pouchitis. Six studies assessed prevention of pouchitis. Three studies were low risk of bias. Three studies were high risk of bias and the other studies were unclear. Acute pouchitis: All ciprofloxacin participants (7/7) achieved remission at two weeks compared to 33% (3/9) of metronidazole participants (RR 2.68, 95% CI 1.13 to 6.35, very low certainty evidence). No ciprofloxacin participants (0/7) had an AE compared to 33% (3/9) of metronidazole participants (RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.98; very low certainty evidence). AEs included vomiting, dysgeusia or transient peripheral neuropathy. Forty-three per cent (6/14) of metronidazole participants achieved remission at 6 weeks compared to 50% (6/12) of budesonide enema participants (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.96, very low certainty evidence). Fifty per cent (7/14) of metronidazole participants improved clinically at 6 weeks compared to 58% (7/12) of budesonide enema participants (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.74, very low certainty evidence). Fifty-seven per cent (8/14) of metronidazole participants had an AE compared to 25% (3/12) of budesonide enema participants (RR 2.29, 95% CI 0.78 to 6.73, very low certainty evidence). AEs included anorexia, nausea, headache, asthenia, metallic taste, vomiting, paraesthesia, and depression. Twenty-five per cent (2/8) of rifaximin participants achieved remission at 4 weeks compared to 0% (0/10) of placebo participants (RR 6.11, 95% CI 0.33 to 111.71, very low certainty evidence). Thirty-eight per cent (3/8) of rifaximin participants improved clinically at 4 weeks compared to 30% (3/10) of placebo participants (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.34 to 4.60, very low certainty evidence). Seventy-five per cent (6/8) of rifaximin participants had an AE compared to 50% (5/10) of placebo participants (RR 1.50, 95% CI 0.72 to 3.14, very low certainty evidence). AEs included diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, proctalgia, vomiting, thirst, candida, upper respiratory tract infection, increased hepatic enzyme, and cluster headache. Ten per cent (1/10) of Lactobacillus GG participants improved clinically at 12 weeks compared to 0% (0/10) of placebo participants (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.14 to 65.90, very low certainty evidence). Chronic pouchitis: Eighty-five per cent (34/40) of De Simone Formulation (a probiotic formulation) participants maintained remission at 9 to 12 months compared to 3% (1/36) of placebo participants (RR 20.24, 95% CI 4.28 to 95.81, 2 studies; low certainty evidence). Two per cent (1/40) of De Simone Formulation participants had an AE compared to 0% (0/36) of placebo participants (RR 2.43, 95% CI 0.11 to 55.89; low certainty evidence). AEs included abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Fifty per cent (3/6) of adalimumab patients achieved clinical improvement at 4 weeks compared to 43% (3/7) of placebo participants (RR, 1.17, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.76, low certainty evidence). Sixty per cent (6/10) of glutamine participants maintained remission at 3 weeks compared to 33% (3/9) of butyrate participants (RR 1.80, 95% CI 0.63 to 5.16, very low certainty evidence). Forty-five per cent (9/20) of patients treated with bismuth carbomer foam enema improved clinically at 3 weeks compared to 45% (9/20) of placebo participants (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.98, very low certainty evidence). Twenty-five per cent (5/20) of participants in the bismuth carbomer foam enema group had an AE compared to 35% (7/20) of placebo participants (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.88, very low certainty evidence). Adverse events included diarrhea, worsening symptoms, cramping, sinusitis, and abdominal pain.
PREVENTION
At 12 months, 90% (18/20) of De Simone Formulation participants had no episodes of acute pouchitis compared to 60% (12/20) of placebo participants (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.21, low certainty evidence). Another study found 100% (16/16) of De Simone Formulation participants had no episodes of acute pouchitis at 12 months compared to 92% (11/12) of the no treatment control group (RR 1.10, 95% 0.89 to 1.36, very low certainty evidence). Eighty-six per cent (6/7) of Bifidobacterium longum participants had no episodes of acute pouchitis at 6 months compared to 60% (3/5) of placebo participants (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.66 to 3.11, very low certainty evidence). Eleven per cent (1/9) of Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI participants had no episodes of acute pouchitis at 24 months compared to 50% (4/8) of placebo participants (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.60, very low certainty evidence). Forty-six per cent (43/94) of allopurinol participants had no episodes of pouchitis at 24 months compared to 43% (39/90) of placebo participants (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.46; low certainty evidence). Eighty-one per cent (21/26) of tinidazole participants had no episodes of pouchitis over 12 months compared to 58% (7/12) of placebo participants (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.31, very low certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The effects of antibiotics, probiotics and other interventions for treating and preventing pouchitis are uncertain. Well designed, adequately powered studies are needed to determine the optimal therapy for the treatment and prevention of pouchitis.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Budesonide; Ciprofloxacin; Colitis, Ulcerative; Enema; Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Metronidazole; Postoperative Complications; Pouchitis; Probiotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Remission Induction
PubMed: 31785173
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001176.pub5 -
BioMed Research International 2019To date, topical therapies guarantee a better delivery of high concentrations of pharmacologic agents to the mucosa of the upper airways (UA). Recently, topical...
To date, topical therapies guarantee a better delivery of high concentrations of pharmacologic agents to the mucosa of the upper airways (UA). Recently, topical administration of ectoine has just been recognized as adjuvant treatment in the Allergic Rhinitis (AR) and Rhinosinusitis (ARS). The aim of this work is to review the published literature regarding all the potential therapeutic effects of ectoine in the acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of UA. Pertinent studies published without temporal limitation were selected searching on MEDLINE the following terms: "ectoine" and "nasal spray," "oral spray," "upper respiratory tract infections," "rhinosinusitis," "rhinitis," "rhinoconjunctivitis," "pharyngitis," and "laryngitis." At the end of our selection process, six relevant publications were included: two studies about the effect of ectoine on AR, one study about ARS, one study about rhinitis sicca anterior, and two studies about acute pharyngitis and/or laryngitis. Due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, topical administration of ectoine could play a potential additional role in treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of UA, in particular in the management of sinonasal conditions improving symptoms and endoscopic findings. However, these results should be viewed cautiously as they are based on a limited number of studies; some of them were probably underpowered because of their small patient samples.
Topics: Acute Disease; Administration, Topical; Amino Acids, Diamino; Chronic Disease; Humans; Inflammation; Laryngitis; Oral Sprays; Respiratory Tract Infections; Rhinitis; Sinusitis
PubMed: 31534961
DOI: 10.1155/2019/7150942 -
The British Journal of General Practice... Jul 2019The overall clinical impression ('clinical gestalt') is widely used for diagnosis but its accuracy has not been systematically studied. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The overall clinical impression ('clinical gestalt') is widely used for diagnosis but its accuracy has not been systematically studied.
AIM
To determine the accuracy of clinical gestalt for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), and streptococcal pharyngitis, and to contrast it with the accuracy of clinical decision rules (CDRs).
DESIGN AND SETTING
Systematic review and meta-analysis of outpatient diagnostic accuracy studies in ambulatory care.
METHOD
PubMed and Google were searched for studies in outpatients that reported sufficient data to calculate accuracy of the overall clinical impression and that used the same reference standard. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2), and measures of accuracy calculated using bivariate meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The authors identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The summary estimates for the positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios (LR-) were LR+ 7.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.8 to 11.5, and LR- 0.54, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.65 for CAP in adults, LR+ 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.3 and LR- 0.63, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.98 for CAP in children, LR+ 3.0, 95% CI = 2.1 to 4.4 and LR- 0.37, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.46 for ARS in adults, LR+ 3.9, 95% CI = 2.4 to 5.9 and LR- 0.33, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.50 for ABRS in adults, and LR+ 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.8 and LR- 0.47, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.60 for streptococcal pharyngitis in adults and children. The diagnostic odds ratios were highest for CAP in adults (14.2, 95% CI = 9.0 to 21.0), ARS in adults (8.3, 95% CI = 4.9 to 13.1), and ABRS in adults (13.0, 95% CI = 5.0 to 27.0), as were the C-statistics (0.80, 0.77, and 0.84 respectively).
CONCLUSION
The accuracy of the overall clinical impression compares favourably with the accuracy of CDRs. Studies of diagnostic accuracy should routinely include the overall clinical impression in addition to individual signs and symptoms, and research is needed to optimise its teaching.
Topics: Acute Disease; Clinical Decision Rules; Community-Acquired Infections; Humans; Odds Ratio; Pharyngitis; Pneumonia; Rhinitis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sinusitis; Streptococcal Infections
PubMed: 31208974
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19X704297 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Mar 2019(1) To describe the existing literature on procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker in patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), (2) to analyze outcomes in ARS patients who...
OBJECTIVES
(1) To describe the existing literature on procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker in patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), (2) to analyze outcomes in ARS patients who were treated with PCT-guided therapy versus traditional management, and (3) to compare PCT to other biomarkers used in diagnosis of bacterial ARS. Data Sources: PubMed and Embase. Review Methods: A systematic search in the PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify studies related to PCT as a biomarker in ARS. After critical appraisal of validity by 2 authors, 6 studies with a total of 313 patients were selected for data extraction and analysis. We identified 2 randomized control trials (RCTs) of PCT-based guidelines for antibiotic management of ARS in outpatient settings and 4 observational studies that compared PCT to other biomarkers in patients with ARS.
RESULTS
The 2 RCTs demonstrated a reduction (41.6% in 1 study and 71% in the other) in antibiotic prescription rate in the PCT-guided group versus the control group with no change in the number of days with impaired activity due to illness (9.0 vs 9.0 days [ P = .96]; 8.1 vs 8.2 days [95% confidence interval -0.7 to 0.7]), number of days of work missed, and percentage of patients with persistent symptoms at 28 days. In the observational cohort studies, PCT did not consistently correlate with C-reactive protein, body temperature, and/or white blood cell counts.
CONCLUSIONS
The limited existing literature on the role of PCT in diagnosis, management, and prediction of clinical outcomes in ARS suggests that PCT-based guidelines for antibiotic prescription are a safe and effective method of minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use.
Topics: Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Humans; Procalcitonin; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30871341
DOI: 10.1177/1945892418810293 -
International Forum of Allergy &... May 2019Although some causes of rhinogenic headache, such as acute sinusitis, have clear diagnostic criteria, others, such as "sinus headache" and mucosal contact points, are...
BACKGROUND
Although some causes of rhinogenic headache, such as acute sinusitis, have clear diagnostic criteria, others, such as "sinus headache" and mucosal contact points, are more nebulous. Misdiagnosis of these entities and primary headaches may result in unnecessary medical or surgical treatment. The purpose of this systematic review is to delineate current understanding of diagnosis and treatment of rhinogenic headaches, including sinus and mucosal contact point headaches, in children.
METHODS
PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane databases were searched for studies on sinus headache and mucosal contact point headaches in children. Studies were assessed for level of evidence, and risk of bias was assessed by Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scoring. Diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and other clinical data were analyzed.
RESULTS
Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Level of evidence was predominantly 4. Forty percent of pediatric patients with migraine had been previously misdiagnosed with sinus headache. Of 327 pediatric patients in two studies, between 55% and 73% had at least 1 cranial autonomic symptom associated with their migraine. For children with mucosal contact point headaches, surgical management in select patients improved headache intensity or severity in 17 (89%) cases.
CONCLUSION
The majority of pediatric patients with sinus headache harbor a primary headache disorder, with migraine being most common. Physicians should suspect primary headache disorders in pediatric patients with chronic headaches and a normal exam. Although some case series are supportive of surgical management for mucosal contact point headaches in children, the level of evidence supporting these recommendations is insufficient. High-quality clinical trials are necessary for continuing to improve outcomes in patients with these clinical entities.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Headache; Headache Disorders; Humans
PubMed: 30644652
DOI: 10.1002/alr.22268 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2018Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is often recommended for symptomatic patients with recurrent acute or chronic rhinosinusitis who have failed conservative treatment.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is often recommended for symptomatic patients with recurrent acute or chronic rhinosinusitis who have failed conservative treatment. Postoperative care has been felt to be critical for both maintaining the surgical patency of the operated sinuses and improving patient symptoms. Debridement of the sinonasal cavities is one such postoperative care measure that has frequently been studied in the literature, often with conflicting conclusions.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of postoperative sinonasal debridement versus no debridement following endoscopic sinus surgery.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, via the Cochrane Register of Studies); PubMed; EMBASE; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 21 May 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing postoperative nasal debridement versus no debridement in adult patients with recurrent acute or chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. We included studies in which the patients acted as self-controls (i.e. one side of the nose underwent debridement and the other side did not) only for the secondary endoscopy outcomes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcome measures were: health-related quality of life, disease severity (patient-reported symptom scores) and significant adverse effects (bleeding requiring intervention, severe pain, iatrogenic injury). Secondary outcomes were: postoperative endoscopic appearance of the sinonasal surgical cavities (endoscopic scores), recorded use of postoperative medical treatment and rate of revision surgery. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome; this is indicated in italics.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies (152 participants), with a follow-up duration ranging from three months to 12 months. In two studies patients acted as self-controls, i.e. one side of the nose underwent debridement and the other side did not ('split-nose' studies). The risk of bias in all studies was high, mostly due to the inability to blind the patients to the debridement procedure.Primary outcomesDisease-specific health-related quality of life scoresOnly one study (58 participants) provided data for disease-specific health-related quality of life. At six months follow-up, lower disease-specific health-related quality of life scores, measured using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22, range 0 to 110), were noted in the debridement group but the difference was not statistically significant (9.7 in the debridement group versus 10.3 in the control group, P = 0.47) (low-quality evidence).Disease severity (patient-reported symptom score)Only one study (60 participants) provided data for disease severity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. No significant differences in total symptom score were observed between groups postoperatively (low-quality evidence).Significant adverse effectsSignificant adverse effects related to the debridement procedure were not reported in any of the included studies, however it is not clear whether data regarding adverse effects were not collected or if none were indeed observed in any of the included studies.Secondary outcomesAll four studies assessed thepostoperative endoscopic appearance of the sinonasal cavities using the Lund-Kennedy score (range 0 to 10). A pooled analysis of endoscopic scores in the two non 'split-nose' studies revealed better endoscopic scores in the debridement group, however this was not a statistically significant difference (mean difference -0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.35 to 0.72; I² = 0%; two studies; 118 participants) (low-quality evidence). A sub-analysis of the adhesion formation component of the endoscopic score was available for all four studies and revealed a significantly lower adhesion rate in the debridement group (risk ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.68; I² = 29%; four studies; 152 participants). Analysis of the number needed to treat to benefit revealed that for every three patients undergoing debridement, the endoscopic score would be decreased by one point in one patient. For every five patients undergoing debridement adhesion formation would be prevented in one patient.Use of postoperative medical treatment was reported in all studies, all of which recommended nasal douching. Steroids (systemic or nasal) were administered in two studies. However, the data were very limited and heterogeneous, therefore we could not analyse the impact of concomitant postoperative medical treatment.The rate of revision surgery was not reported in any of the included studies, however it is not clear whether these data were not recorded or if there were no revision surgeries in any of the included studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We are uncertain about the effects of postoperative sinonasal debridement due to high risk of bias in the included studies and the low quality of the evidence. Sinonasal debridement may make little or no difference to disease-specific health-related quality of life or disease severity. Low-quality evidence suggests that postoperative debridement is associated with a significantly lower risk of adhesions at three months follow-up. Whether this has any impact on longer-term outcomes is unknown.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Chronic Disease; Debridement; Endoscopy; Humans; Nasal Cavity; Paranasal Sinuses; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis; Severity of Illness Index; Sinusitis; Tissue Adhesions
PubMed: 30407624
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011988.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2018Acute rhinosinusitis is an acute infection of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses that lasts less than four weeks. Diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis is generally... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute rhinosinusitis is an acute infection of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses that lasts less than four weeks. Diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis is generally based on clinical signs and symptoms in ambulatory care settings. Technical investigations are not routinely performed, nor are they recommended in most countries. Some trials show a trend in favour of antibiotics, but the balance of benefit versus harm is unclear.We merged two Cochrane Reviews for this update, which comprised different approaches with overlapping populations, resulting in different conclusions. For this review update, we maintained the distinction between populations diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms, or imaging.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of antibiotics versus placebo or no treatment in adults with acute rhinosinusitis in ambulatory care settings.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (2017, Issue 12), which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (January 1950 to January 2018), Embase (January 1974 to January 2018), and two trials registers (January 2018). We also checked references from identified trials, systematic reviews, and relevant guidelines.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of antibiotics versus placebo or no treatment in people with rhinosinusitis-like signs or symptoms or sinusitis confirmed by imaging.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data about cure and side effects and assessed the risk of bias. We contacted trial authors for additional information as required.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 15 trials involving 3057 participants. Of the 15 included trials, 10 appeared in our 2012 review, and five (631 participants) are legacy trials from merging two reviews. No new studies were included from searches for this update. Overall, risk of bias was low. Without antibiotics, 46% of participants with rhinosinusitis, whether or not confirmed by radiography, were cured after 1 week and 64% after 14 days. Antibiotics can shorten time to cure, but only 5 to 11 more people per 100 will be cured faster if they receive antibiotics instead of placebo or no treatment: clinical diagnosis (odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.54; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 19, 95% CI 10 to 205; I² = 0%; 8 trials; high-quality evidence) and diagnosis confirmed by radiography (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.39; NNTB 10, 95% CI 5 to 136; I² = 0%; 3 trials; moderate-quality evidence). Cure rates with antibiotics were higher when a fluid level or total opacification in any sinus was found on computed tomography (OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.75 to 13.72; NNTB 4, 95% CI 2 to 15; 1 trial; moderate-quality evidence). Purulent secretion resolved faster with antibiotics (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.22; NNTB 10, 95% CI 6 to 35; I² = 0%; 3 trials; high-quality evidence). However, 13 more people experienced side effects with antibiotics compared to placebo or no treatment (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.82; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 8, 95% CI 6 to 12; I² = 16%; 10 trials; high-quality evidence). Five fewer people per 100 will experience clinical failure if they receive antibiotics instead of placebo or no treatment (Peto OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.63; NNTH 19, 95% CI 15 to 27; I² = 21%; 12 trials; high-quality evidence). A disease-related complication (brain abscess) occurred in one participant (of 3057) one week after receiving open antibiotic therapy (clinical failure, control group).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The potential benefit of antibiotics to treat acute rhinosinusitis diagnosed either clinically (low risk of bias, high-quality evidence) or confirmed by imaging (low to unclear risk of bias, moderate-quality evidence) is marginal and needs to be seen in the context of the risk of adverse effects. Considering antibiotic resistance, and the very low incidence of serious complications, we conclude there is no place for antibiotics for people with uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. We could not draw conclusions about children, people with suppressed immune systems, and those with severe sinusitis, because these populations were not included in the available trials.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Radiography; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Time Factors
PubMed: 30198548
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006089.pub5 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2018Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, and commonly for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Narrow-spectrum phenoxymethylpenicillin is the antibiotic of... (Review)
Review
Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, and commonly for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Narrow-spectrum phenoxymethylpenicillin is the antibiotic of choice for RTIs in the Scandinavian countries, while broader spectrum amoxicillin is used in most other European countries. This review summarizes the knowledge of the effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin versus amoxicillin for infections treated in ambulatory care. We searched PubMed/Medline and Embase for trials comparing the clinical effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin and amoxicillin. The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services' checklist was used to assess risk of bias. In total, 1687 studies were identified, and 18 of these fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One additional study was found as a reference. The randomized controlled trials revealed no significant differences in clinical effect in acute sinusitis (three RCTs), GAS tonsillitis (11 RCTs) and Lyme borreliosis (two RCTs). One RCT on community-acquired pneumonia found amoxicillin to be superior, while the results were conflicting in the two RCTs on acute otitis. The results suggest that non-Scandinavian countries should consider phenoxymethylpenicillin as the treatment of choice for RTIs because of its narrower spectrum. More studies should be conducted on the clinical effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin versus amoxicillin for acute otitis and lower RTIs.
PubMed: 30181520
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7030081