Pediatric acute otitis media: the case for delayed antibiotic treatment.
Acute otitis media (AOM) is both a commonly diagnosed condition and a frequent indication for antibiotic use in children. Recent literature suggests that antibiotics are not needed in many children with AOM, as most cases resolve spontaneously without complication. However, a majority of AOM infections in children are still treated with antibiotics. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians released a guideline for treatment of AOM in children. We review the guideline as well as scientific evidence related to AOM treatment options. We support a set of evidence-based guidelines employing a delayed prescription option for antibiotic therapy in selected children. If used appropriately, these cost-effective guidelines will reduce the amount of antibiotics prescribed, increase parental satisfaction, and may lower rates of antibiotic resistance while producing similar rates of resolution of AOM.
Johnson
Nicholas C
NC
Emergency Medicine Department, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101, USA.
Holger
Joel S
JS
D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents