Comparison of Narrow-Versus Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Elderly Patients With Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Little evidence is available regarding the choice of empiric antibiotic therapy in elderly patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The primary objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of elderly patients receiving broad- versus narrow-spectrum antibiotics during hospitalization for AECOPD.

Design: A multicenter, retrospective, cohort analysis was performed.