Cefaclor compared with amoxycillin acute otitis media with effusion: a preliminary report

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common pediatric condition.
• Bacterial resistance to standard antibiotics like ampicillin is a growing concern.
• Effective treatment options for OME are crucial to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of cefaclor and amoxycillin in treating acute otitis media with effusion (OME) in infants and children.
• To evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of middle ear pathogens to cefaclor.
• To assess the clinical response and effusion persistence in children with OME.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted.
• 55 infants and children with acute OME were enrolled.
• Tympanocentesis was performed for culture and sensitivity testing.

Main Results:

• All isolated pathogens (including ampicillin-resistant strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus) were sensitive in vitro to cefaclor.
• An excellent initial symptomatic response was observed in 88% of subjects within 2 weeks.
• Middle ear effusion persisted in 48% of ears at 6 weeks, with tympanocentesis showing no significant impact on clinical response or effusion persistence.

Conclusions:

• Cefaclor demonstrates promising in vitro activity against common pathogens causing OME, including resistant strains.
• The study suggests cefaclor may be a valuable alternative antimicrobial for treating OME, especially in cases involving ampicillin-resistant bacteria.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the clinical efficacy and role of cefaclor in OME management.