A recent scoping review conducted by researchers at University Hospital Tübingen highlights inconsistencies in the definition of appropriate antibiotic therapy (AAT) within clinical research. The analysis of 288 studies from 2011 to 2021 revealed that most definitions primarily focused on in vitro susceptibility testing, neglecting vital elements of antimicrobial stewardship like dosing, route of administration, and treatment duration. These limitations may hinder the understanding of AAT's impact on patient outcomes, especially in hospitalized adults with bacterial infections, suggesting a strong need for more standardized definitions.
1. Inconsistencies in appropriate antibiotic therapy definitions affect outcomes. 2. Majority focus on in vitro susceptibility neglecting stewardship elements. 3. 288 studies analyzed from 2011-2021 on hospitalized adults. 4. Guideline adherence was included in <5% of definitions. 5. More standardized definitions needed for comparability. 6. Empiric therapy associated with improved outcomes in 63% of analyses. 7. Dosing and treatment duration crucial for therapy appropriateness.
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