A prototype for evidence synopsis for hand-held computers* Based on: Review: Antibiotics do not lead to general improvement in upper respiratory tract infections. Evidence-Based Medicine 1999 Jul–Aug;4:121. Abstract of: Arroll B, Kenealy T. Antibiotics versus placebo in the common cold. Cochrane Review, latest version 8 Apr 1998. In: The Cochrane Library. Oxford: Update Software
| Question | Study groups | Outcomes (n=5 studies, follow up 1 to 7 d) | Weighted EER | Weighted CER | RBR (95% CI) | NNH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conclusion: in patients with acute respiratory infection, antibiotics are no more beneficial in terms of general improvement than placebo, and they are associated with a non-significant increase in adverse effects. NS = not statistically significant; RBR = relative benefit reduction. Other abbreviations defined in glossary; RBR, RRI, NNH, and CI calculated from data in article. | ||||||
| In patients with acute respiratory tract infections, what is the efficacy and safety of antibiotics (compared with placebo) in curing infection and improving nasopharyngeal symptoms? | Experimental: antibiotics (tetracycline, penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, and cotrimoxazole). Control: placebo. | General improvement | 51.2% | 52.5% | 2% (−5 to 10) | NS |
| RRI (CI) | NNH | |||||
| Adverse effects | 9.7% | 3.6% | 82% (−25 to 340) | NS | ||