Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole or Placebo for skin Abscess

Infectious Disease PGY1 PGY2 PGY3 PGY4

When we reviewed 3 previous studies here, here and here. We mentioned that should we really treat simple Skin abscess? NEJM published “Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole versus Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess” in March 2016. Patients were randomised to TMP-SMZ 320-1600 mg twice a day for 7 days versus Placebo in patients greater than 12 years old with uncomplicated skin abscess.

Conclusion: In settings in which MRSA was prevalent, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole treatment resulted in a higher cure rate among patients with a drained cutaneous abscess than placebo.

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