Methodology: 2/5
Usefulness: 2/5
Jaung R, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Mar 30:S1542-3565(20)30426-2.
Question and Methods: This study investigated non-inferiority of placebo vs antibiotic in management of uncomplicated diverticulitis by conducting an international, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double blind RCT.
Findings: Hospital length of stay was “not inferior” in the placebo (45.8 hrs) compared to the antibiotic (40.0 hrs) group and secondary outcomes were similar.
Limitations: The major limitations are the inclusion criteria in this study and the primary outcome choice of length of stay rather than more clinically relevant outcomes.
Interpretation: We will likely continue using antibiotics for uncomplicated diverticulitis. However, this adds to the increasing evidence supporting selective antibiotics use with shared decision making.
By: Dr. Chirag Bhat
