Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
05:39

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.6K

Short-course versus prolonged-course antibiotic regimens for ventilator-associated pneumonia: A systematic review and

Huzaifa Ahmad Cheema1, Aayat Ellahi2, Hassan Ul Hussain3

  • 1Department of Chest Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Journal of Critical Care
|May 29, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Short-course antibiotics for non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli ventilator-associated pneumonia (NF-GNB VAP) may increase pneumonia recurrence risk. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed compared to prolonged courses.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Current guidelines recommend short-duration antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB).
  • This approach may be linked to a higher risk of pneumonia recurrence.
  • A meta-analysis was conducted to compare short- versus prolonged-course antibiotic regimens for VAP.

Approach:

  • A systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • RCTs comparing short-course versus long-course antibiotic treatment for VAP were included in the analysis.
  • Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Key Points:

  • The pooled analysis included six RCTs.
  • No significant difference in 28-day mortality was found between prolonged and short antibiotic courses.
  • Short-course antibiotic administration was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia recurrence in VAP due to NF-GNB (RR 1.73; 95% CI: 1.17-2.54).
  • Secondary outcomes including clinical resolution, ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation duration showed no significant differences between the regimens.
  • The quality of evidence for most outcomes was rated as low.

Conclusions:

  • Low-quality evidence suggests that short antibiotic courses for NF-GNB VAP are linked to higher pneumonia recurrence rates without affecting mortality compared to prolonged courses.
  • Larger-scale, blinded RCTs are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
Keywords:
AntibioticsNF-GNBProlonged-courseShort-courseVAP

More Related Videos

Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung09:26

Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung

Published on: January 22, 2021

7.0K
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia04:32

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: June 28, 2018

11.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
403
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
219
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
289
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
289
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
20
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
2.3K