Evaluation of adherence to the clinical practice guideline for the management of acute pharyngotonsillitis in the emergency care of the University Hospital San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: Sore throat is one of the most frequent complaints in the ER, both in children and adults. Although it has been established that most cases of acute tonsillitis are caused by viruses, given the difficulty in identifying its etiology based exclusively upon clinical signs, the indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics in the emergency setting has become very frequent. This practice may lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and secondary effects. We evaluated the adherence of ER physicians to clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute tonsillitis at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out. Clinical records for emergency visits between the years of 2016 and 2019 were reviewed. Data regarding rapid antigen detection test for GABHS (RAD), antibiotic and analgesic prescription and tonsillar exudates on physical exam, were recorded. Results: 7.762 patients with acute tonsillitis were included in the study. 74,2% were prescribed antibiotics and 98% received pain medication. For 11,53% of cases the rapid antigen test for GABHS was requested. Although tonsillar exudates are the main factor associated with the formulation of antibiotics, only 21% of rapid antigen detection tests were positive. As such, the systemic use of rapid diagnostic tests may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescription, bacterial resistance and drug side effects.