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Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care: narrative review of C reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) and antibacterial use in patients who present with symptoms of RTI
Cooke J, Llor C, Hopstaken R, et al. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care: narrative review of C reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) and antibacterial use in patients who present with symptoms of RTI. BMJ Open Resp Res 2020;7:e000624. doi:10.1136/ bmjresp-2020-000624
Antimicrobial resistance continues to be an issue across the globe. Patients presenting with respiratory tract infections symptoms are assessed by a clinical decision rule (CDR) which relies on various non-specific clinical observations. To better guide antibacterial prescription management at GP practices for such patients, this publication presents a narrative review of the literature undertaken to determine values of C reactive protein point-of-care testing.
Many of the studies reviewed showed that C reactive protein point-of-care testing in patients with respiratory tract infections symptoms reduces the number of antibiotics prescribed. This demonstrates that C reactive protein point-of-care testing enhances diagnostic precision for general practitioners for better management of patients with symptoms of respiratory tract infections by reducing antibiotic prescriptions and ultimately mitigating antimicrobial resistance.