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Published on: February 23, 2014

Paediatric upper respiratory infections: the role of antibiotics

A Fiocchi1, E Calcinai, G Beghi

  • 1Department of Child and Maternal Medicine, the Melloni University Hospital, Milan, Italy. allerg@tin.it

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|February 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic use for pediatric upper respiratory infections (URTIs) has stringent indications, despite widespread prescription. Evidence supports individualized antibiotic treatment protocols for URTIs in children, but local data is crucial to prevent overuse.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Clinical pharmacology
  • Evidence-based medicine

Background:

  • Antibiotic use for pediatric upper respiratory infections (URTIs) is common but raises concerns about appropriate prescription.
  • Current clinical evidence for antibiotic efficacy in pediatric URTIs requires review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current clinical evidence for antibiotic use in pediatric upper respiratory infections.
  • To provide an update for pediatricians on evidence-based antibiotic treatment for URTIs in children.

Main Methods:

  • PubMed searches were conducted for clinical trials, reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines on antibiotics for pediatric rhinosinusitis, otitis, and tonsillitis within the last 10 years.
  • The review incorporated clinical experience from a pediatric allergy unit and adhered to evidence-based medicine standards.

Main Results:

  • Numerous pediatric studies and guidelines meeting evidence-based standards were identified.
  • Stringent indications for antibiotic use in pediatric URTIs exist, contrasting with widespread prescription practices.
  • Evidence supports the efficacy of antibiotic treatment for pediatric URTIs, warranting inclusion in individualized patient protocols.

Conclusions:

  • While evidence supports antibiotic efficacy for pediatric URTIs, their prescription is widespread, raising concerns about appropriateness.
  • Individualized patient protocols based on clinical literature are recommended.
  • Local epidemiologic and microbiologic data are essential to guide antibiotic use and avoid overprescription in pediatric URTIs.

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