Quote:
Originally Posted by Machiavelli
Well, there's actually a clinical score that predicts the probability of Strep infection. If it's very high, as I suspect it was in Slava's son's case, the protocol should be to treat first.
Strep does eventually resolve, but if antibiotics are given within the first couple of days of symptom onset, the duration of symptoms can be shortened by up to 48 hours, which can be significant if the patient is really suffering. Treatment can also reduce the rate transmission to close contacts.
The kidney damage from post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is actually one of the complications that has not been proven to be prevented by antibiotic treatment.
|
I'm aware of the score, but even with a score of 5, is barely above 50% positive if seen in family practice. According to our guidelines and the BC version of bugs and Drugs (Dr Blondell-Hill), unless complicated, no antibiotics given until confirmed by swab