PGIMER-led research published in Lancet Clinical Medicine shows that shorter antibiotic treatments work as effectively as longer ones for many serious neonatal infections.
Chandigarh, October 15:
A team of leading Indian neonatologists, led by Dr. Sourabh Dutta, Professor, NICU, PGIMER Chandigarh, has published a landmark study in Lancet Clinical Medicine showing that shorter antibiotic courses are as effective as longer ones in treating many serious newborn infections.
The breakthrough could help reduce antibiotic overuse, side effects, and antibiotic resistance, while improving outcomes for newborns — one of the most vulnerable patient groups.
The study, titled “Shorter or biomarker-guided antibiotic durations for common serious neonatal infections: a collection of noninferiority meta-analyses,” was co-authored by Dr. Nandkishor Kabra (Surya Hospitals, Mumbai), Dr. Shiv Sajan Saini (PGIMER, Chandigarh), Dr. Rajendra Prasad Anne (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), Dr. Sandeep Kadam (KEM Hospital, Pune), Dr. Monisha Rameshbabu (Chettinad Academy, Chennai), Dr. Supreet Khurana (GMCH, Chandigarh), and Dr. Sai Kiran (Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad)
Why it matters
While antibiotics save lives, prolonged or unnecessary use fuels antibiotic resistance and increases hospital stays, costs, and side effects. Newborns often receive antibiotics more frequently and for longer durations than older children, even when shorter treatment might suffice.
What the study found
The researchers systematically reviewed global data comparing short and long antibiotic durations for serious neonatal infections. Using advanced statistical techniques, they also evaluated “biomarker-guided” approaches—stopping treatment once infection-related blood tests normalize.
Key results included:
- Proven blood infections: About 7 days of antibiotics were sufficient in most cases, instead of the usual 10–14 days, with no increased risk.
- Biomarker-guided therapy: Stopping treatment when infection markers normalize led to shorter yet effective antibiotic courses.
- Probable infections: Evidence comparing 3–4 days versus 5–7 days was inconclusive, signaling a need for further research.
- Evidence gaps: More studies are required on urinary infections, meningitis, and fungal infections.
The impact
According to Dr. Dutta, the findings could transform neonatal care globally:
“Adopting shorter or biomarker-guided antibiotic courses where appropriate can help save lives, reduce resistance, and make treatment safer and more cost-effective.”
Experts believe these insights could reshape antibiotic policies in NICUs, helping combat antibiotic resistance and improve newborn health worldwide.
