[Antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

This study had for aim to evaluate the rationale and indications for antibiotic treatment in acute exacerbations of COPD and to identify potential differences among various antibiotics available for the treatment of exacerbations in France.

A search was performed in Medline and for references quoted in identified articles from 1995 to 2005. Open or blind randomized studies involving antibiotics available in France were reviewed.

About 50% of all exacerbations are related to bacterial infection. Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the main pathogens responsible for bacterial exacerbations. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterobacter spp are frequently found in patients with severe functional impairment. Increased purulence of sputum is associated with bacterial infection. Patients with severe functional impairment benefit the most from antibiotic treatment. Although new molecules have larger antibiotic spectrum and better pharmacological properties, the evidence supporting their use compared to standard therapy remains scarce.

Additional studies are needed to better identify the subset of patients benefiting from antibiotics and to determine whether new molecules produce significant improvement on relevant outcomes such as exacerbation free interval compared to standard therapy.