Pediatric acute otitis media: the case for delayed antibiotic treatment Journal Article uri icon
Overview
abstract
  • 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.

  • Link to Article
    publication date
  • 2007
  • published in
    Research
    keywords
  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents/economics/*therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Drug Utilization
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Otitis Media/*drug therapy
  • Pediatrics/standards
  • Practice Guidelines
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Additional Document Info
    volume
  • 32
  • issue
  • 3