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Antimicrobial prescribing for otitis externa in children.

Sandra I McCoy¹, Elizabeth R Zell, Richard E Besser

¹Biostatistics and Information Management Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

|February 12, 2004

Summary

Antimicrobial prescribing for childhood otitis externa shows frequent inappropriate use of oral antibiotics, contributing to resistance. Topical treatments are more common but oral routes are rarely indicated.

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Area of Science:

Pediatrics
Infectious Diseases
Pharmacology

Background:

Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is a common pediatric infection.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
Appropriate prescribing is crucial to combat resistance and ensure effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze antimicrobial prescribing patterns for otitis externa in children.
To identify trends in disease occurrence and treatment from 1995 to 2000.
To evaluate the appropriateness of antimicrobial use in otitis externa management.

Main Methods:

Utilized data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS).
Analyzed pediatric visits for otitis externa between 1995 and 2000.

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Examined prescription patterns for topical versus oral antimicrobial therapies.

Main Results:

Topical antibiotic prescriptions were issued in 39% of visits.
Oral antibiotic prescriptions were issued in 25% of visits.
Oral antimicrobial therapy for otitis externa was frequently prescribed despite being rarely indicated.

Conclusions:

Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing for pediatric otitis externa is common.
Oral antibiotic use for otitis externa poses a higher risk for antimicrobial resistance compared to topical therapy.
Guidelines for otitis externa treatment should emphasize appropriate antimicrobial selection.