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[A clinicobacteriologic study on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin in pediatric acute otitis media]

R Sugita1, S Harada, K Deguchi

  • 1Sugita Otorhinolaryngologic Clinic.

Insights

Clavulanic acid/amoxicillin (CVA/AMPC) demonstrated superior efficacy over amoxicillin alone in treating pediatric acute otitis media, despite some adverse effects. This highlights CVA/AMPC as a key treatment option against resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) is frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
  • Increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) in middle ear effusion and nasopharyngeal samples poses a therapeutic challenge.
  • Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid/amoxicillin (CVA/AMPC) are commonly used antibiotics for AOM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of CVA/AMPC versus amoxicillin in pediatric AOM.
  • To identify the prevalence of drug-resistant S. pneumoniae in pediatric AOM cases.
  • To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of CVA/AMPC.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical and bacteriological study conducted in 14 general practice settings.
  • Isolation and identification of bacteria from middle ear effusion and nasopharyngeal swabs.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including MIC90 determination.
  • Clinical efficacy and adverse reaction assessment.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (31.8%), Haemophilus influenzae (35.8%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (19.2%) were the predominant pathogens.
  • High rates of drug-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) were observed in both middle ear effusion (42.2%) and nasopharyngeal samples (46.7%).
  • CVA/AMPC exhibited superior antimicrobial activity and clinical efficacy compared to amoxicillin, with a 22% incidence of adverse reactions like diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • CVA/AMPC is more effective than amoxicillin for treating pediatric AOM, particularly in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.
  • The study underscores the importance of monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns in common pediatric infections.
  • CVA/AMPC offers a valuable therapeutic option, though potential side effects should be considered.

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