Bmc Fam Pract
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Multicenter Study
Predictors of treatment with antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care.
Antibiotic and oral corticosteroid prescribing rate in patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma in general practice are only sparsely described. Our aim was to identify predictors for such prescribing when results from CRP testing, spirometry, and pulse oximetry are available. ⋯ Chest findings, raised CRP value and decreased oxygen saturation were stronger predictors of prescribing of antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids than were respiratory symptoms. Further evaluation of the importance of these findings to guide treatment of asthma and COPD exacerbations is warranted.