

This Pneumonia study looked at how chest X-ray data affect antibiotic starting by general practitioners in France when treating patients with probable pneumonia.
Method of study
A prospective cross-sectional investigation was carried out on adult patients with probable pneumonia who underwent chest X-rays as part of their examination. To investigate factors related with antibiotic initiation, patients’ characteristics were compared at inclusion and at 28 days between those with positive chest X-rays (indicating pneumonia) and those with negative chest X-rays.
Main results
The sample comprised 259 adult patients. The median age was 58 years; 120 (46.3%) were men; 249 (96.1%) had not received antibiotics previous to inclusion; and 69 (26.7%) had at least one risk factor for pneumococcal illness.
- The majority of the general practitioners who treated patients were women (55.2%; n = 153), with a median age of 39 years. 76.1% (n = 210) were general practitioner trainers.
- 55.6% of patients (144 out of 259) obtained positive chest X-rays.
- Patients with positive chest X-ray results had greater body temperature, quicker heart rate, faster breathing rate, more trouble breathing, and more frequent unilateral chest discomfort than patients with negative X-ray results, and their symptoms persisted for longer periods of time.
- Antibiotics were prescribed to 99.3% of patients who had positive chest X-ray results. Despite having less symptoms and negative chest X-ray results, 79 out of 115 patients (68.75%) were prescribed antibiotics.
Why does it matter?
This study found that many general practitioners administer antibiotics for suspected community-acquired pneumonia even when chest X-ray results are negative, revealing a gap between guidelines and actual practice.
more recommended stories
Ultra-Processed Foods May Harm Brain Health in Children
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cognitive and.
Parkinson’s Disease Care Advances with Weekly Injectable
A new weekly injectable formulation of.
Brain’s Biological Age Emerges as Key Health Risk Indicator
Clinical Significance of Brain Age in.
Children’s Health in the United States is Declining!
Summary: A comprehensive analysis of U.S..
Autoimmune Disorders: ADA2 as a Therapeutic Target
Adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) has emerged.
Is Prediabetes Reversible through Exercise?
150 Minutes of Weekly Exercise May.
New Blood Cancer Model Unveils Drug Resistance
New Lab Model Reveals Gene Mutation.
Healthy Habits Slash Diverticulitis Risk in Half: Clinical Insights
Healthy Habits Slash Diverticulitis Risk in.
Caffeine and SIDS: A New Prevention Theory
For the first time in decades,.
Microbial Metabolites Reveal Health Insights
The human body is not just.
Leave a Comment