Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39347494›Full record

ReviewInfection and drug resistance2024

Treatment of Acute Sore Throat in Malaysia: A Consensus of Multidisciplinary Recommendations Using Modified Delphi Methodology.

Baharudin Abdullah, Kar Chai Koh, Mohazmi Mohamed, Vincent Eng Soon Tan, Nurashikin Mohammad, Zamberi Sekawi, Petrick Periyasamy, Anitha Ramadas, Martin Duerden

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Infection and drug resistance, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing 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

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

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

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Comparative Effects of Flurbiprofen and Benzydamine on COX-2/PGEInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Article
  2. Article
  3. Review
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

9 authors.

Baharudin AbdullahSchool of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.ORCID 0000-0001-9138-9215
Kar Chai KohKepong Baru Polyclinic, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.ORCID 0000-0001-8615-0760
Mohazmi MohamedDepartment of Primary Care Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Vincent Eng Soon TanKPJ Klang Specialist Centre, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Nurashikin MohammadKPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia.
Zamberi SekawiFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Petrick PeriyasamyDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Anitha RamadasDepartment of Pharmacy, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Martin DuerdenCentre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Using antibiotics in the treatment of acute sore throats has been linked with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and needs to be addressed. The consensus sought to improve diagnostic accuracy, decrease unwarranted antibiotic prescriptions and enhance patient outcomes. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of nine experts reviewed published literature and discussed current practices in managing sore throat. Ten evidence-based statements on sore throat and AMR, diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic prescribing, and symptomatic therapy were developed. A modified Delphi exercise was then carried out. A consensus was reached if at least 70% of the group agreed with the statement. Results: All 10 statements for managing acute sore throat achieved consensus. The major concern of AMR caused by improper antibiotic prescribing, particularly in cases of viral sore throat, was recognized. This underscores the need for improved diagnostic tools, such as the McIsaac score, to reduce needless antibiotic prescriptions. To improve patient satisfaction, effective pain management using non-antibiotic alternatives such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and flurbiprofen throat lozenges was recommended. Pain and inflammation can be adequately managed with low-dose NSAIDs. The potential benefits of topical NSAIDs were acknowledged for their milder safety profile than oral formulations. Conclusion: A consensus was achieved on the use of a clinical diagnostic tool, prudent use of antibiotics, and symptomatic therapy in acute sore throat management. The McIsaac score and point-of-care testing (POCT) for the presence of group A beta-hemolytic

Indexed as

antibioticantimicrobial resistancediagnosissore throatsymptomatic treatment

Identifiers

PMID39347494
PMCPMC11438446

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Registered trials

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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.