Update on the Management of Pediatric Acute Otitis Media
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common pediatric infection that is typically managed in the outpatient setting. While Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common bacterial cause, other organisms including viruses can cause AOM. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians recently released an updated clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of AOM. First-line antibiotic treatment for AOM is amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate, and alternative agents include cephalosporins and clindamycin. Pharmacists are in a key position to improve outcomes for children with AOM by recommending appropriate therapy, monitoring for adverse effects, and ensuring adherence to the immunization schedule.
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With over 80% of children experiencing at least one episode of acute otitis media (AOM) by age 3 years, this condition is the most common one for which children are prescribed antibiotics in the United States. Healthcare-associated costs for AOM account for approximately $2.88 billion annually in the U.S., in addition to significant indirect costs attributed to caregivers' lost time. AOM, often referred to as a middle ear infection, is characterized by the rapid onset of signs and symptoms of inflammation in the middle ear such as pain, fever, and impaired hearing. AOM is most prevalent in children aged <2 years because their immune system is immature and their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than those of adults, leading to accumulation of secretions and infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released an updated clinical practice guideline in February 2013 for the diagnosis and management of AOM in children aged 6 months to 12 years. The purpose of this review is to educate pharmacists on the proper management of pediatric patients presenting with AOM according to the AAP/AAFP guideline.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common pediatric infection that is typically managed in the outpatient setting. While Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common bacterial cause, other organisms including viruses can cause AOM. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians recently released an updated clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of AOM. First-line antibiotic treatment for AOM is amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate, and alternative agents include cephalosporins and clindamycin. Pharmacists are in a key position to improve outcomes for children with AOM by recommending appropriate therapy, monitoring for adverse effects, and ensuring adherence to the immunization schedule.
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Introduction
With over 80% of children experiencing at least one episode of acute otitis media (AOM) by age 3 years, this condition is the most common one for which children are prescribed antibiotics in the United States. Healthcare-associated costs for AOM account for approximately $2.88 billion annually in the U.S., in addition to significant indirect costs attributed to caregivers' lost time. AOM, often referred to as a middle ear infection, is characterized by the rapid onset of signs and symptoms of inflammation in the middle ear such as pain, fever, and impaired hearing. AOM is most prevalent in children aged <2 years because their immune system is immature and their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than those of adults, leading to accumulation of secretions and infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released an updated clinical practice guideline in February 2013 for the diagnosis and management of AOM in children aged 6 months to 12 years. The purpose of this review is to educate pharmacists on the proper management of pediatric patients presenting with AOM according to the AAP/AAFP guideline.
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