Short-term penicillin-V prophylaxis did not prevent acute otitis media in infants

To determine whether prophylactic, short-term penicillin V treatment during upper respiratory tract infections can prevent the occurrence of recurrent acute otitis media in young children.

Seventy children were studied in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. All children had suffered their first episode of acute otitis media before the age of 6 months. After inclusion in the study group, administration of penicillin V or placebo was initiated by the parents at subsequent upper respiratory tract infections. The children were examined by otomicroscopy within 3 days after treatment was initiated. The children were scheduled for a total follow-up period of 12 months, including bimonthly visits for check-up irrespective of treatment periods.

There were 304 treated episodes of upper respiratory tract infection. There was no significant difference in the number of acute otitis episodes between groups.

Initiation of penicillin V prophylaxis at upper respiratory tract infection in small children did not prevent recurrent acute otitis media in this study.