Antimicrobial treatment for 7 versus 14 days in patients with bacteremia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The optimal duration of antibiotic treatment in patients with bacteremia is a matter of ongoing debate.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared 7 days with 14 days of antimicrobial treatment in adults with bacteremia. The systematic search included trials published until December 2024. Efficacy outcomes included 90-day all-cause mortality, recurrence of bacteremia and mean length of hospital stay. Safety outcomes included the total number of adverse events, Clostridioides difficile infections, diarrhea, acute kidney injury, rash or emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Results

The final analysis included four randomized controlled trials with a total of 4790 participants. Death by day 90 occurred in 321 (13.3%) of 2406

SUBMITTER: Prager M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460493 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature