[Diagnostic accuracy in bacterial infections in an emergency ward: results of a retrospective study]

Accuracy of the initial diagnosis and the appropriate choice of antibiotics were evaluated in a group of patients with presumed bacterial infections admitted to the medical ward after initial examination at the emergency ward. A bacterial infection was initially suspected and treated with antibiotics in 88 (33%) of 265 patients admitted consecutively. An inaccurate diagnosis of bacterial infection was made in 2.6% of all patients and in 8% of the patients treated with antibiotics. In one patient (0.4%) the presence of a bacterial infection was overlooked. Penicillins, co-trimoxazole, erythromycin and aminoglycosides represented 93% of the antibiotics chosen. 28% of all empiric antibiotic regimens had to be modified due to the result of sensitivity testing, side effects or clinical failure.