Are Antibiotics Helpful for Older Adults with Delirium and Pyuria or Bacteriuria?

NEJM Evid. 2023 Sep;2(9):EVIDtt2300119. doi: 10.1056/EVIDtt2300119. Epub 2023 Aug 22.

Abstract

Antibiotics for Delirium and Pyuria or BacteriuriaDelirium is common among hospitalized older adults, frequently leading to initiation of antibiotics when pyuria or bacteriuria is detected. However, it is difficult to determine if pyuria or bacteriuria is the cause of delirium or incidentally identified. This article proposes a trial to assess if treatment with antibiotics hastens delirium resolution.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteriuria* / drug therapy
  • Delirium* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Pyuria* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents