Ahead of print – article in press
Original Research
Impact of C-reactive protein testing on adherence to
thrice-daily antibiotic regimens in patients with lower
respiratory tract infection
*Carl Llora, Nuria Sierrab, Silvia Hernándezb, Ana Moragasb, Marta Hernándezc, Carolina Bayonad, Marc Miravitllese
a
Family physician, Primary Care Centre Jaume I, Tarragona, Spain; University Rovira i Virgili, Spain
b
Family physician, Primary Care Centre Jaume I, Tarragona, Spain
c
Family Medicine Trainee, Hospital Joan XXIII of Tarragona, Spain
d
Family physician, Primary Care Centre Valls Urbà, Valls, Spain
e
Department of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tòrax (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, Barcelona; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
Received 28 September 2009 • Accepted 21 February 2010 • Online 12 May 2010
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have analysed adherence to antibiotic treatment in respiratory tract infections.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) testing on treatment adherence among patients aged 18 or over with lower
respiratory tract infection (LRTI) treated with thrice-daily antibiotic regimens.
DESIGN: Prospective study 2003 – 2008.
SETTING: Office-based physician practices.
METHODS: We compared patient adherence prior to the use of CRP testing (no CRP test was available prior to 2007) with adherence
following CRP rapid testing for suspected bacterial infection in LRTIs. Patient adherence was assessed by electronic monitoring.
RESULTS: 161 patients with LRTI were recruited. The percentage of container openings was 76.8±17.4%. Adherence was significantly
better when the CRP test was performed (83.3% vs. 74.4%; p<0.01), as was ‘good timing’ adherence during at least 80% of the antibiotic
course (32.6% vs. 16.9%; p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Greater antibiotic treatment adherence is observed among patients with LRTI after CRP testing at the consultation prior to
administration of antibiotic treatment.
Keywords
Adherence, compliance, C-reactive protein, lower respiratory tract infection, antibiotics, treatment regimen
* Corresponding author. Carl Llor Tel: +34 671085857 Fax: +34 977248459 Email: carles.llor@urv.cat | |
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