Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell Degeneration
12:21

The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell Degeneration

Published on: November 26, 2015

Observation option for acute otitis media in the emergency department

Thomas Fischer1, Adam J Singer, Stuart Chale

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. tomfxf@optonline.net

Pediatric Emergency Care
|September 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The observation option for acute otitis media (AOM) in the emergency department (ED) safely reduced antibiotic use by over 70% in pediatric patients. This approach shows promise for decreasing overall antibiotic administration for AOM.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Disease Management
  • Otitis Media Treatment

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common pediatric diagnosis in emergency departments.
  • Overuse of antibiotics for AOM contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
  • The observation option offers a potential strategy to judiciously manage AOM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the observation option for treating AOM in the emergency department (ED).
  • To determine the feasibility of implementing an observation strategy for AOM in a pediatric ED setting.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective case series conducted in a suburban academic ED.
  • Included pediatric patients aged 2 years and older diagnosed with AOM.
  • Utilized a management strategy involving symptomatic treatment and delayed antibiotic prescription.

Main Results:

  • 144 pediatric patients with AOM were enrolled.
  • 73% (105/144) recovered without antibiotics.
  • Antibiotic-associated adverse events (vomiting/diarrhea) occurred in 11 patients, leading to 5 antibiotic changes.

Conclusions:

  • The observation option is a safe and effective strategy for AOM management in the ED.
  • Implementing this approach can significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for AOM.
  • This strategy holds potential to become a standard of care, curbing antibiotic overuse.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

Image Acquisition using Portable Sonography for Emergency Airway Management07:31

Image Acquisition using Portable Sonography for Emergency Airway Management

Published on: September 28, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...