Eradication treatment forPseudomonas aeruginosainfection in adults with bronchiectasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction:Pseudomonas aeruginosais the most commonly isolated pathogen in bronchiectasis and is associated with worse outcomes. Eradication treatment is recommended by guidelines, but the evidence base is limited. The expected success rate of eradication in clinical practice is not known.Methods:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews andClinicaltrials.govwere searched for studies investigatingP. aeruginosaeradication treatment using antibiotics (systemic or inhaled) in patients with bronchiectasis. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients negative forP. aeruginosaat 12 months after eradication treatment. Cystic fibrosis was excluded.Results:Six observational studies including 289 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis found a 12-monthP. aeruginosaeradication rate of 40% (95% CI 34–45%; p<0.00001), with no significant heterogeneity (I2=0%). Combined systemic and inhaled antibiotic treatment was associated with a higher eradication rate (48%, 95% CI 41–55%) than systemic antibiotics alone (27%, 13–45%).Conclusion:Eradication treatment in bronchiectasis results in eradication ofP. aeruginosafrom sputum in ∼40% of cases at 12 months. Combined systemic and inhaled antibiotics achieve higher eradication rates than systemic antibiotics alone.