Mohammad Moazi Rwalah, Hisham Abd.
Short term antibiotics in children with upper respiratory tract infection.
Rawal Med J Jan ;36(2):133-6.

Objective: To determine if acute otitis media can be prevented initially by antibiotics after the onset of upper respiratory tract infection (URI). Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Pediatric Department of Prince Zaid Hospital from January 2010 to December 2010. Children younger than four years who had URI with history of more than three attacks of acute otitis media and at least one attack during the preceding six months were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into two groups: group I, included patients who received antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulinate) and group II, received placebo. Data were analyzed using SSPS 12. Results: Out of 96 children, 50 were in group I, and 46 in group II. Acute otitis media developed in 8 (16%) patients in group I, compared with 9 (19.6%) in group II (relative risk, 0.818; 95% CI 0.307-2.15; P=0.52. Odds ratio, 0.783; 95% CI 0.243-2.51). Twenty eight patients must receive amoxicillin-clavulinate therapy for one to benefit (NNT=28). Conclusion: Acute otitis media cannot be prevented by using short term antimicrobial therapy in children with URI.

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