The World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Cholera Control were prepared by the WHO's Global Task Force on Cholera Control and published in 1993. The proposed activities are implemented throughout the world, though the basis of the guidelines, namely expert opinions, is ranked at the lowest level in the hierarchy of evidence. Methods: We have selected from the guidelines the recommendations for the management of the patient with cholera (antibiotic treatment, symptomatic treatment) and carried out a literature search in Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Best Evidence. We have identified 87 studies relevant to the research questions, written in Spanish and English. We evaluated their quality and the effect of the intervention. Finally, we graded and sorted the studies selected by levels of evidence. Results: The results of the review differ substantially from the WHO recommendations for Cholera Control. Conclusions: The key finding of our review is that antibiotics should be given to all patients with cholera. Our review concludes that the guidelines should be revised on the basis of existing evidence and that clinical trials in epidemic situation need to be undertaken to establish the optimum management strategies that would improve the effectiveness of the interventions. Guidelines need to be critically reviewed to ensure that they are evidence-based
Learning Objectives: 1.- To identify and assess which aspects of the WHO recommendations on the management of the patient with cholera are evidence-based. 2.-To identify and assess the need for further research to review the WHO guidelines for cholera control. 3.- To advocate for the review of guidleines based on evidence.
Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Practice Guidelines
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.