A UK study led by the University of Liverpool found that using the procalcitonin (PCT) biomarker to guide antibiotic treatment in hospitalized children did not reduce antibiotic duration compared to usual care. While the test was safe, it was more expensive than standard methods and integration into clinical workflows proved challenging. The study, part of the 'Biomarker-guided duration of Antibiotic Treatment in Children Hospitalised with confirmed or suspected bacterial infection' (BATCH) trial, highlights the need for continued investment in antimicrobial stewardship programs and public health campaigns to reduce antibiotic misuse.
University of LiverpoolJan 9 2025 A groundbreaking UK study led by the University of Liverpool has examined whether an additional blood test called procalcitonin could safely shorten the time children spend on intravenous antibiotics in hospitals.
Antibiotic overuse is a key driver of AMR, one of the world's greatest public health challenges. Infections caused by resistant bacteria lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality. Children are especially vulnerable, and smarter use of antibiotics is essential to protect their future health.
The study comes after a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis conducted by NICE in 2015 evaluated PCT testing to guide antibiotic therapy for the treatment of sepsis, and recommended further studies to adequately assess the effectiveness of adding PCT algorithms to guide antibiotic treatment in hospitalised adults and children with suspected or confirmed serious bacterial infection.
Chief investigator the University of Liverpool's Professor Enitan Carrol said: "We are pleased to have completed this large multi-centre trial in hospitalised children. Whilst the study did not demonstrate benefit from the additional procalcitonin test, there is important learning for future biomarker-guided trials in the NHS.
Antibiotic Resistance Antimicrobial Stewardship Procalcitonin Hospital Infections Children's Health
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