Interventions to Minimize Unnecessary Antibiotic Use for Acute Otitis Media: A Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Backgrounds/Objectives: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the leading reason antibiotics are prescribed to children. Despite guidelines advocating for watchful waiting and shorter antibiotic durations, overprescribing remains a concern. This meta-analysis aims to quantify potential reduction in antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) for AOM if prescribers adhered to guidelines. Methods: Cochrane databases were sourced for studies on ear infections, diagnostic accuracy, antibiotic duration, and watchful waiting. Randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and quality improvement reports of children aged 6 months-17 years with uncomplicated AOM published between 2000 and 2024 from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Of 4187 studies, 425 met selection criteria. PRISMA guidelines were adher

SUBMITTER: Morin TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12564321 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature