Bacteremia Antibiotic Length Actually Needed for Clinical Effectiveness (BALANCE) randomised clinical trial: study protocol

INTRODUCTION: Bloodstream infections are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity; the duration of treatment for these infections is understudied. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct an international, multicentre randomised clinical trial of shorter (7 days) versus longer (14 days) antibiotic treatment among hospitalised patients with bloodstream infections. The trial will include 3626 patients across 60 hospitals and 6 countries. We will …