Evidence map›Paper›PMID 35901088›Full record

ArticlePloS one2022

Evaluating the appropriateness of laboratory testing and antimicrobial use in South African children hospitalized for community-acquired infections.

Lydia Mapala, Adrie Bekker, Angela Dramowski

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Lydia MapalaDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0002-3945-4216
Adrie BekkerDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
Angela DramowskiDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

Funding

Developing a care bundle for neonatal sepsis prevention in low-resource settingsK43TW010682 · FIC · STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY · PI DRAMOWSKI, ANGELA · 2017 to 2020
$454k
FIC NIH HHS K43 TW010682
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionCommunity acquired infection (CAI) is the leading indication for paediatric hospitalization in South Africa.

methodsWe conducted secondary data analysis of prospective, consecutive paediatric admissions to Tygerberg Hospital (May 2015-November 2015). Clinical characteristics, admission diagnosis, appropriateness of diagnostic tests, use of antimicrobial prescriptions, hospital outcome and costs were analyzed.

resultsCAI episodes were documented in (364/451; 81%) children admitted to the general paediatric ward; median age 4.8 months (Interquartile range, IQR, 1.5-17.5) and weight 5.4kg (IQR, 3.6-9.0). Male gender predominated (210/364; 58%), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection prevalence was 6.0% (22/364). Common CAI types included respiratory tract infections (197; 54%), gastroenteritis (51; 14%), and bloodstream infections (33; 9%). Pre-hospital antibiotics (ceftriaxone) were given to 152/364 (42%). Of 274 blood cultures and 140 cerebrospinal fluid samples submitted, 5% and 2% respectively yielded a pathogen. Common CAI antibiotic treatment regimens included: ampicillin alone (53%); ampicillin plus gentamicin (25%) and ampicillin plus cefotaxime (20%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was found in 39% of the children investigated for pneumonia. Most antibiotic prescriptions (323/364; 89%) complied with national guidelines and were appropriately adjusted based on the patient's clinical condition and laboratory findings. The overall estimated cost of CAI episode management ZAR 22,535 (≈1423 USD) per CAI admission episode. Unfavourable outcomes were uncommon (1% died, 4% required re-admission within 30 days of discharge).

conclusionCAI is the most frequent reason for hospitalization and drives antimicrobial use. Improved diagnostic stewardship is needed to prevent inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. Clinical outcome of paediatric CAI episodes was generally favourable.

Indexed as

Community-Acquired InfectionsRespiratory Syncytial Virus InfectionsAmpicillinAnti-Bacterial AgentsChildHospitalizationHumansInfantMaleProspective StudiesSouth AfricaAmpicillinAnti-Bacterial Agents

Identifiers

PMID35901088
PMCPMC9333228

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.