The shorter trial will look at if five days of antibiotic treatment is as safe and effective as usual practice, which is around seven days.
Newcastle is leading a British trial to explore whether a shorter course of antibiotics could safely and effectively treat sepsis.
The shorter trial will compare whether five days of antibiotic treatment is as safe and effective as the usual practice, which is around seven days. Hospital staff in critical care units will monitor all patients on the trial.
“Striking the right balance of using antibiotics appropriately, while avoiding potential harm, can be challenging,” said Tom Hellyer, chief investigator for the trial and clinical senior lecturer at Newcastle University.
“We hope that the shorter trial will help to determine the safest and effective use of antibiotics for patients with this condition,” he continued.
Reduce the risk
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the trial is being run by Newcastle University’s Clinical Trials Unit and delivered by research teams at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital.
“To be able to determine how long a patient should receive antibiotics for sepsis could be hugely beneficial for those affected, and for medical professionals to help ensure patients receive effective treatment, and at the same time reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance,” said Anthony Gordon, programme director for the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme.
The trial is taking place at 47 hospitals across the country and more than 800 patients have taken part to date.
