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Three-day and seven-day treatment in acute otitis media: a double-blind antibiotic trial
Insights
Short antibiotic courses for acute otitis media in children are effective. Three-day and seven-day cefaclor treatments showed equal results in symptom resolution and infection recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute otitis media is a common childhood infection.
- Antibiotic treatment duration for otitis media is debated.
- Cefaclor is a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of short-term (3-day) versus longer-term (7-day) cefaclor treatment for acute otitis media in children.
- To evaluate symptom and sign resolution.
- To assess middle-ear infection recurrence rates.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized general practice trial.
- Ninety-six children with acute otitis media participated.
- Comparison of 3-day vs. 7-day courses of cefaclor 125 mg three times daily.
Main Results:
- Both 3-day and 7-day cefaclor regimens were equally effective.
- Symptom and sign resolution was comparable between groups.
- No significant difference in middle-ear infection recurrence within six weeks.
Conclusions:
- Short-course antibiotic therapy (3 days) is effective for childhood acute otitis media.
- Cefaclor is effective in both short and standard durations.
- Evidence supports shorter antibiotic courses to potentially reduce antibiotic resistance.
Abstract:
Ninety-six children with acute otitis media were randomized into a double-blind general practice trial of three-day and seven-day courses of cefaclor 125 mg tds. These regimens were equally effective in terms of resolution of symptoms and signs of otitis media, even in children presenting with bulging of the tympanic membrane. There was no difference between the groups in the recurrence of middle-ear infection during the six weeks after entry to the trial. The results provide further evidence about the effectiveness of short courses of antibiotics for children with presumed middle-ear infection.