Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Family Medicine Database, and reference lists of articles, and we contacted principal investigators. The most recent search was in December 1998. SELECTION CRITERIA: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Main results: Seven trials involving 2056 people aged between six months and 49 years were included. The overall quality of the included trials was variable. People receiving antibiotics did not do better in terms of cure or improvement than those on placebo (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.28 fixed effects model). One study found a significant benefit for antibiotics compared with placebo for runny nose (clear or purulent). The only other study to evaluate purulent nasal discharge found no significant benefit for antibiotics. Only one study reported work time lost with 22% of those on antibiotic treatment and 25% of those on placebo but this was not significant. Patients treated with antibiotics had a significant increase in side effects (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 7.27, random effects model). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | B Arroll, T Kenealy |
Journal | The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
(Cochrane Database Syst Rev)
Issue 2
Pg. CD000247
( 2000)
ISSN: 1469-493X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 10796517
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
|
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Common Cold
(drug therapy)
- Humans
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