Researchers searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of treatment regimens administered for less than or equal to six days (defined as short course) and 7 days or more (long course).
They identified 21 clinical trials with 4,861 patients who could be evaluated.
The study shows that clinical cure was similar between the short course and long course groups, irrespective of healthcare setting or severity of pneumonia. Relapses were also similar between the two groups.
Additionally, the short course antibiotic treatment was associated with fewer serious adverse events and resulted in lower mortality as compared to long course treatment patients.
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