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Changing clinical practice: management of paediatric community-acquired pneumonia

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Mohamed Elemraid, Professor Stephen Rushton, Dr Matthew Thomas, Dr David Spencer, Dr Katherine Eastham, Professor Andrew GenneryORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Rationale and aimTo compare clinical features and management of paediatric community-acquired pneumonia (PCAP) following the publication of UK pneumonia guidelines in 2002 with data from a similar survey at the same hospitals in 2001-2002 (pre-guidelines). MethodsA prospective survey of 11 hospitals in Northern England was undertaken during 2008-2009. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded on children aged 16 years who presented with clinical and radiological features of pneumonia. Results542 children were included. There was a reduction in all investigations performed (P<0.001) except C-reactive protein (P=0.448) between surveys. These included full blood count (76% to 61%); blood culture (70% to 53%) and testing of respiratory secretions for viruses (24% to 12%) and bacteria (18% to 8%). Compared to pre-guidelines, there was a reduction in the use of intravenous antibiotics as a proportion of the total prescribed from 47% to 36% (P<0.001) and a change in the route of antibiotic administration with increasing preference for oral alone (16% pre-compared to 50% post-guidelines, P<0.001). ConclusionApart from the acute phase reactants that should not be measured routinely, these changes are in line with the guideline recommendations. Improvements in antibiotic use are possible and have implications for future antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Further work using cost-effectiveness analysis may also demonstrate a financial benefit to health services from adoption of guidelines.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Elemraid MA, Rushton SP, Thomas MF, Spencer DA, Eastham KM, Gennery AR, Clark JE, North East England Paediatric Respiratory Infection Study Group

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice

Year: 2014

Volume: 20

Issue: 1

Pages: 94-99

Print publication date: 01/02/2014

Online publication date: 07/10/2013

Acceptance date: 30/08/2013

Date deposited: 15/04/2014

ISSN (print): 1356-1294

ISSN (electronic): 1365-2753

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jep.12091

DOI: 10.1111/jep.12091


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Pfizer
0887X1-4479Pfizer Vaccines UK

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