Acute otitis media guidelines in selected developed and developing countries: uniformity and diversity

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Acute otitis media (AOM) is a prevalent childhood illness with significant economic and healthcare implications.
• International guidelines and consensus papers exist for AOM diagnosis and management.
• Variations in AOM management protocols between developing and developed countries require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and contrast diagnostic and management guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) in children.
• To identify similarities and differences in AOM protocols between developing and developed countries.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using keywords related to AOM, children, treatment, management, guidelines, and consensus.
• Databases were searched for publications between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 2015.
• Ninety-nine sources from 62 countries were analyzed, with a focus on representative guidelines from various continents.

Main Results:

• Guidelines are typically published by pediatric societies in developed countries and Ministries of Health in developing countries.
• Diagnostic criteria are largely consistent; watchful waiting is common for mild-moderate cases.
• Amoxicillin is the standard first-line antibiotic, but second/third-line options and therapy durations (age-dependent) differ, especially between developed and developing nations. Risk factor reduction is emphasized more in developed countries.

Conclusions:

• AOM guidelines share commonalities globally but exhibit variations in specific recommendations.
• Differences are attributed to local epidemiology and healthcare accessibility.
• Developing regional guidelines could potentially mitigate the burden of AOM.