Researchers are attempting to find out whether a new method of treating sepsis could reduce the risk of developing superbugs.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection and can cause damage to a person’s organs.
The illness can be treated using antibiotics, but their overuse can lead to dangerous microorganisms becoming resistant to medication.
Newcastle University is leading a UK-wide trial to work out whether a shorter course of antibiotics can treat sepsis, giving superbugs less chance to develop.
Dr Tom Hellyer, clinical senior lecturer at Newcastle University and the trial’s chief investigator, said striking the right balance of using the drugs can be challenging.
“Antibiotics are started quickly for sepsis because of the severity of the illness, but the exact duration needed to treat the infection is currently unknown,” he said.
“We hope that the Shorter trial will help to determine the most safe and effective use of antibiotics for patients with this condition.”
Research has found treating patients with antibiotics over a short period can be just as effective as a longer course for some infections, but it is not known whether this works for sepsis.
The Shorter trial will examine whether a five-day course of antibiotics is as safe as the usual treatment, which takes place over seven days.
It is being run by the university’s clinical trials unit and delivered by teams at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Freeman Hospital.
The trial will take place at 47 hospitals around the country and more than 800 patients have already taken part.
Prof Anthony Gordon, programme director for the National Institute for Health and Care Research, which is funding the trial, said it was essential to explore how treatments for critically ill patients could be improved.
“To be able to determine how long a patient should receive antibiotics for sepsis could be hugely beneficial for those affected, and to medical professionals to help ensure patients receive effective treatment, and at the same time reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance,” he said.