Short-course versus long-course antibiotics in prosthetic joint infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of one randomized controlled trial plus nine observational studies.

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Short-course versus long-course antibiotics in prosthetic joint infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of one randomized controlled trial plus nine observational studies.

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2019 May 03;:

Authors: Yen HT, Hsieh RW, Huang CY, Hsu TC, Yeh T, Chen YC, Chen WS, Lee CC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) often require long-course antibiotic therapy. However, recent studies argue against the current practice and raise concerns such as the development of antibiotic resistance, side effects of medications and medical costs.
OBJECTIVES: To review and compare the outcomes of short-course and long-course antibiotics in PJIs.
METHODS: We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis using a predefined search term in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies that met the inclusion criteria from inception to June 2018 were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 10 articles and 856 patients were analysed, comprising 9 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. Our meta-analysis showed no significant difference between short-course and long-course antibiotics (relative risk = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.62-1.22). Additionally, the older the studied group was, the more short-course antibiotics were favoured.
CONCLUSIONS: When treating PJI patients following debridement, antibiotics and implant retention, an 8 week course of antibiotic therapy for total hip arthroplasty and a 75 day course for total knee arthroplasty may be a safe approach. For two-stage exchange, a shorter duration of antibiotic treatment during implant-free periods is also generally safe with the usage of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers.

PMID: 31050758 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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