ERICA

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ERICA

Terminated multicentre, national, observational, non-interventional, prospective study of paediatric patients with an acute infection of respiratory tract who were treated with erdosteine (Erdomed®).

 start of the project: 10/2014

 end of the project: 07/2018

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are among the most common infections which bring patients to their GPs. Although URIs are mostly caused by viruses, antibiotics are often prescribed. Incorrect employment of antibiotics is one of the reasons why antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Excessive use of antibiotics still occurs, although a rational antibiotic policy is a key issue not only on the national level, but also across Europe (as supported by WHO activities).

Erdosteine, the active ingredient of Erdomed®, has not only mucolytic effects, but also has anti-adhesion properties against bacteria, and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug as well. It can therefore reduce bacterial colonisation and decrease the risk of bacterial superinfection. Since the majority of URIs in children are caused by viruses, it is rational to limit the empirical administration of antibiotics, and to start treatment with Erdomed® at early stages of URIs. Rationalisation and optimisation of treatment can be expected, as antibiotics would be only administered in indicated cases, and the therapeutic potential of Erdomed® would be fully utilised. Moreover, the GPs would cut their treatment costs in this way.

Primary objective of the project:

  • Monitoring the effectiveness and safety of treatment with Erdomed® in paediatric patients with URIs, in which antibiotics had been administered in the preceding season in an attempt to treat the respiratory infection. CRP test was used to confirm the viral etiology of the current condition.

Secondary objective of the project:

  • Active support for a rational antibiotic therapy, improvements in prescription practices in outpatient treatment.

Other important information:

  • Expert guarantor: Assoc. Prof. Frantisek, Kopriva, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Olomouc)
  • Funding: Angelini Pharma Czech Republic Ltd.
  • Partners: Dozens of general practitioners for children and adolescents from all over the Czech Republic were involved in the project.