Discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days for patients with community-acquired pneumonia in non-critical care wards (PTC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial
This French study (n=310) found 3 days of β-lactam therapy (followed by 5 days placebo) was non-inferior to 8 days, with cure at day 15 in 77% v 68%, respectively (between-group difference of 9.42%, 95% CI −0.38 to 20.04 in ITT population; similar in per protocol analysis).
Source:
The Lancet
SPS commentary:
The study included adults admitted to hospital with moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia, who met pre-specified clinical stability criteria after 3 days of treatment with β-lactam therapy. A related Comment notes that shortening the duration of therapy could lead to fewer antibiotic side-effects, less pressure for antimicrobial resistance, reduced costs, and a reduced risk of bacterial superinfection. However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential harm from recurrent illness.