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Updated: Sep 23, 2025
09:26
Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Published on: January 22, 2021
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Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Antibiotic Therapy in Children Hospitalized With Asthma Exacerbation
Jamie M Pinto1, Sarita Wagle1, Lauren J Navallo1
1Department of Pediatrics (JMP, SW, LJN), Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ.
Summary
Antibiotics are frequently overused in pediatric asthma exacerbations, even without bacterial infection. This unnecessary antibiotic use in children was linked to longer hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Antibiotic overuse is a significant concern in managing pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- Current guidelines recommend against routine antibiotic use in asthma unless a bacterial infection is present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with antibiotic use in children hospitalized with asthma.
- To determine the outcomes, specifically length of stay, related to antibiotic administration in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of administrative data from 2012-2015 for children hospitalized with asthma.
- Factors analyzed included demographics, clinical presentation, and disposition (pediatric floor vs. PICU).
- Outcomes assessed were antibiotic use, presence of bacterial infection/fever, and length of stay (LOS).
Main Results:
- Over half (53.8%) of hospitalized pediatric asthma patients received antibiotics, often without clear indication.
- Antibiotic use was higher in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and associated with older age, female sex, and respiratory distress.
- Antibiotic treatment correlated with a 13-19 hour increase in LOS for patients without bacterial infection or fever.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of pediatric asthma exacerbations are treated with antibiotics without a clear indication.
- Unnecessary antibiotic use in pediatric asthma is associated with prolonged hospital stays, highlighting a need for guideline adherence.
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