Shorter versus longer duration of antibiotic treatment in children with bacterial meningitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Because no statistically significant differences were found between groups for the analyzed outcomes, the results of this meta-analysis support shorter therapy. However, generalizing these results to complicated meningitis and infections caused by other pathogens should be made with caution.  (PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022369843).What is Known:• Current recommendations on the duration of antibiotic therapy for bacterial meningitis are mostly based on clinical practice.• Defining an optimal duration of antibiotic therapy is essential for antimicrobial stewardship achievement, improving patient outcomes, and minimizing adverse effects.What is New:• There are no differences between shorter versus longer antibiotic treatment duration in regard to treatment failure, relapse, mortality, neurologic complications, and hearing impairment at discharge and at follow-up.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research