Abstract:
Background: Upper respiratory tract infections and acute otitis media are the most common presentation for children in our pediatric out patient clinics. They are responsible for most antibiotics prescribed in our out patient clinics. In this study, we are trying to determine if acute otitis media can be prevented initially by antibiotics after the onset of upper respiratory tract infection.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Pediatric Department of Prince Zaid Hospital between January 2010 and December 2010. Children younger than 4 years who had upper respiratory tract infection with history of more than three attacks of acute otitis media and at least one attack occurred in the preceding six months were evaluated in the pediatric and ENT clinics. Patients were divided randomly into two groups: group I, include patients who received antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulinate) and group II, patients who received placebo. Data were analyzed using SSPS12.
Results: A total of 96 children were included in the study. Of those, 50 patients included in group I, and 46 patients included in group II. Acute otitis media developed in eight patients (16%) in group I, compared with nine patients (19.6%) in group II (relative risk, 0.818; 95% CI 0.307-2.15; P=0.52. Odds ratio, 0.783; 95% CI 0.243-2.51). Twenty eight patients who must receive amoxicillin-clavulinate therapy for one to benefit (NNT=28).
Conclusion: Acute otitis media cannot be prevented by using short term antimicrobial therapy in children with upper respiratory tract infection.
Key words: Key words: Upper respiratory tract infection, Acute otitis media, Amoxicillin-clavulinate.
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