Quinolones for sepsis. A protocol for a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background: Sepsis is a relatively common and deadly condition that constitutes a major challenge to the modern health care system. Quinolones are sometimes used in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics for sepsis, but no former systematic review has assessed the benefits and harms of quinolones in patients with sepsis.

Methods: We will perform a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis including randomised clinical trials assessing the effects of quinolones as add on therapy to usual care in children and adults with sepsis. For the assessment of harms, we will also include quasi-randomised studies and observational studies identified during our searches for randomised clinical trials.

Discussion: This systematic review will clarify if there is evidence to support quinolones being part of the standard treatment for sepsis.