Antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media in a paediatric emergency department

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
Kai Steinmann, Franz E Babl

Abstract

To audit antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media (AOM) at a tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED). All children who presented to the ED in 2002 (during defined 4-week periods in spring, summer, autumn and winter) and were given a diagnosis of AOM were eligible for analysis. Data were extracted retrospectively, providing information on demographics and antibiotic therapy. A total of 306 patients with AOM were available for analysis. Forty-three children (14%) were <1 year, 69 (23%) 1-2 years, and 194 (63%) > 2 years of age. Sixty-eight patients (22%) were receiving antibiotics prior to presentation to the ED, and antibiotics were prescribed for 206 (67%). Antibiotic prescribing was independent of patient age. Despite ready access to clinical guidelines that recommend an expectant approach for children with AOM who are older than 1 or 2 years of age, antibiotic prescribing rates were high in the ED.

Citations

May 1, 2009·Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research·Penelope S TaylorHarvey L Coates
Jan 18, 2017·The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice·Linan ZengShuyan Quan
Oct 30, 2009·Pediatric Emergency Care·Marie GauthierAnthony Abela
Nov 4, 2009·The Medical Journal of Australia·Peter S MorrisHarvey L C Coates

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