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Acute otitis media in childhood: a study of 20,532 cases
F Del Castillo1, J M Corretger, J Medina
1Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
This study analyzed acute otitis media in Spanish children, finding common symptoms like ear pain and fever. Cefixime was the most prescribed antibiotic, with most children experiencing symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness.
- Understanding AOM prevalence and treatment patterns is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of acute otitis media in Spanish children.
- To identify frequently used antibiotics and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was distributed to Spanish pediatricians.
- Data collected from 20,532 children over a 6-month period in 1991.
- Included demographic information, symptoms, laterality, antibiotic use, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 20,532 children, with 68.7% under 5 years old.
- Most frequent symptoms: otalgia/irritability (92.7%), fever (63.5%), upper respiratory tract infection (65.5%).
- Cefixime was the most common antibiotic (38%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate (22.2%).
Conclusions:
- Acute otitis media in Spanish children presents with characteristic symptoms, predominantly in those under five.
- Antibiotic prescribing patterns show a preference for cefixime, with a notable rate of therapy changes due to adverse effects.
- A high symptom resolution rate was observed, suggesting effective management strategies.
Abstract:
We present a study of acute otitis media among 20,532 Spanish children during a 6-month period from January through June 1991. The study was done by distributing a questionnaire to all Spanish pediatricians. Of the patients 51.7% were girls and 48.3% boys; 68.7% of all children were younger than 5 years. The most frequent symptoms were otalgia or irritability, 92.7%; fever, 63.5%; otorrhea, 24.9%; vomiting, 21.4%; and another concomitant upper respiratory tract infection, 65.5%. Otitis was bilateral in 45.6% of the cases. The most frequently used antibiotic was cefixime (38%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate (22.2%), amoxicillin (15.3%), 2nd-generation cephalosporins (13.5%) and macrolides (8.8%). In 11.8% of the patients, a change in the initial antibiotic therapy was required due to adverse effects. Resolution of symptoms occurred in 77.8% of the patients.