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Published on: December 18, 2010
Clinical and scientific importance of source control in abdominal infections: summary of a symposium
J M Bohnen1, J C Marshall, D E Fry
1Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ont.
Abstract:
In May 1997, a panel of surgeon-investigators met to discuss the clinical importance and research implications of controlling the source of abdominal infections. It was concluded that source control is critical to therapeutic success and that antimicrobial therapy and other adjunctive interventions will fail if the source of infection is not controlled by resection, exteriorization or other means. The panelists presented different definitions of source control, depending on the scientific purpose of the definition. All participants agreed that failure to consider the adequacy of source control of infection has limited the value of most clinical trials of therapeutic anti-infective agents. Besides recognizing source control as an essential goal of patient care, the panelists emphasized the need for further investigative work to define, record and stratify the adequacy of source control in clinical trials of therapeutic agents for abdominal infections.
Insights
Controlling the source of abdominal infections is critical for successful treatment. Failure to address source control limits the value of clinical trials for anti-infective agents.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- A 1997 panel convened to discuss source control in abdominal infections.
- Source control is essential for effective treatment of abdominal infections.
Observation:
- Antimicrobial therapy and other interventions fail without adequate source control.
- Definitions of source control vary based on scientific context.
- Inconsistent consideration of source control adequacy has diminished the value of numerous clinical trials.
Findings:
- Source control is paramount for therapeutic success in abdominal infections.
- The adequacy of source control has been inconsistently defined and recorded in clinical research.
- Standardized methods for assessing source control are needed.
Implications:
- Further research is necessary to establish clear definitions and metrics for source control.
- Improved documentation and stratification of source control in clinical trials will enhance therapeutic agent evaluation.
- Defining and recording source control adequacy is crucial for advancing the treatment of abdominal infections.
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