Long-term survival in patients included in a randomized controlled trial of TREAT, a decision support system for antibiotic treatment.

Objectives: TREAT is a computerized decision support system for antibiotic treatment. In a randomized controlled trial it improved significantly the percentage of appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment and shortened hospital stay, while the usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics was reduced. The trial was not powered to show significance for the difference in 1 month mortality rate.

Importance of appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.

Objectives: To document the effects of appropriate and inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy on mortality in a cohort of patients with bacteraemia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to summarize effects with previous studies.

Methods: In the retrospective cohort study, episodes of clinically significant MRSA bacteraemia during a 15 year period were included. Polymicrobial episodes were excluded unless MRSA was isolated in more than one bottle and co-pathogens were given appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy for sepsis.

Quantifying the benefit of early antibiotic treatment is crucial for decision making and can be assessed only in observational studies. We performed a systematic review of prospective studies reporting the effect of appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment on all-cause mortality among adult inpatients with sepsis. Two reviewers independently extracted data.

A model for diagnosis of pulmonary infections in solid-organ transplant recipients.

Background: Opportunistic pulmonary infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients. The diagnosis of these infections is challenging because of the broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi and viruses affecting these patients and the lack of specific signs and symptoms. Treatment directed at the offending organism started as soon as possible improves survival.

Antiviral prophylaxis in haematological patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Antiviral prophylaxis is commonly prescribed to haematological cancer patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify its overall benefit in specific clinical scenarios.

Methods: Randomised controlled trials assessing antiviral prophylaxis versus placebo, no treatment, pre-emptive treatment or another antiviral drug were included.