Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. C‐reactive protein (CRP) point‐of‐care testing (POCT) is increasingly being promoted to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and enhance antibiotic stewardship. In primary care, respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, which is a major driver for antibiotic resistance. We systematically reviewed the available evidence on the impact of CRP‐POCT on antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care. Thirteen moderate to highquality studies comprising 9844 participants met our inclusion criteria. Meta‐analyses showed that CRP‐POCT significantly reduced immediate antibiotic prescribing at the index consultation compared with usual care (RR 0.79, 95%CI 0.70 to 0.90, p = 0.0003, I2 = 76%) but not during 28‐day (n = 7) follow‐up. The immediate effect was sustained at 12 months (n = 1). In children, CRP‐POCT reduced antibiotic prescribing when CRP (cut‐off) guidance was provided (n = 2). Meta‐analyses showed significantly higher rates of re‐consultation within 30 days (n = 8, 1 significant). Clinical recovery, resolution of symptoms, and hospital admissions were not significantly different between CRP‐POCT and usual care. CRP‐POCT can reduce immediate antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care (number needed to (NNT) for benefit = 8) at the expense of increased re‐consultations (NNT for harm = 27). The increase in re‐consultations and longer‐term effects of CRP‐POCT need further evaluation. Overall, the benefits of CRP‐POCT outweigh the potential harms (NNTnet = 11).

Original publication

DOI

10.3390/antibiotics9090610

Type

Journal article

Journal

Antibiotics

Publication Date

01/09/2020

Volume

9

Pages

1 - 31