[Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and antibiotics: analysis of comparative trials]

Abstract

Objective: The authors had for aim to assess the role of antibiotics in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Comparative antibiotic trials were collected through systematic search on Medline data base--well-designed studies were selected.

Results: Eight equivalence studies were selected. No clear difference between antibiotics was demonstrated. The shortest treatment was as effective as the longest.

Conclusion: No antibiotic has demonstrated its superiority. A new generation of antibiotic comparative trials for exacerbation of COPD is clearly needed.