Should preventive antibiotics be used in patients with acute stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infection is a common complication in acute stroke. Whether or not preventive antibiotics reduce the risk of infection or even lead to a favorable outcome and reduction of mortality after a stroke still remains equivocal. This review was performed to update the current knowledge on the effect and possible benefits of prophylactic antibiotic therapy in patients with stroke.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of preventive antibiotics`effect on the incidence of infection, favorable outcome (mRS≤2) and mortality in patients with acute stroke is performed with relevant randomized controlled trials.

Results

Six studies were identified, involving 4125 participants. Compared with the control group, the treated groups were significantly less prone to suf

SUBMITTER: Zheng F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5648227 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature