Outcomes of antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections in children an observational study in primary care.
Saved in:
| Title: | Outcomes of antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections in children an observational study in primary care. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Alvsåker, Linn Karin Tjalvin (AUTHOR), Stensen, Maria Fehn (AUTHOR), Mjelle, Anders Batman (AUTHOR), Hunskaar, Steinar (AUTHOR), Rebnord, Ingrid Keilegavlen (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. Jun2024, Vol. 42 Issue 2, p237-245. 9p. |
| Subjects: | Antibiotics, Respiratory infections, Drug side effects, Disease duration, Job absenteeism, Primary health care, Scientific observation, Treatment duration, Treatment effectiveness, Descriptive statistics, Symptoms, Children |
| Geographic Terms: | Norway |
| Abstract: | Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global threat, accelerated by both misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Most antibiotics to humans are prescribed in primary care, commonly for respiratory symptoms, and there is a need for research on the usage of and outcomes after antibiotic treatment to counteract antibiotic resistance. To evaluate symptom duration, treatment length, and adverse events of antibiotic treatment in children. Observational study at four out-of-hours services and one paediatric emergency clinic in Norwegian emergency primary care. 266 children aged 0 to 6 years with fever or respiratory symptoms. Duration of symptoms and absenteeism from kindergarten/school, treatment length, and reported adverse events. There were no differences in duration of symptoms, fever or absenteeism when comparing the groups prescribed (30.8%) and not prescribed (69.2%) antibiotics. This lack of difference remained when analysing the subgroup with otitis media. In the group prescribed antibiotics, 84.5% of parents reported giving antibiotics for 5-7 days, and 50.7% reported no difficulties. Adverse events of antibiotics were reported in 42.3% of the cases, the vast majority being gastrointestinal disturbances. Children with fever or respiratory symptoms experience similar duration of symptoms and absenteeism regardless of antibiotic treatment. A substantial number of parents reported adverse events when the child received antibiotics. Several parents experienced additional difficulties with the treatment, some ending treatment within day 4. NCT02496559; Results. Children with fever or respiratory symptoms treated at OOH services experience similar duration of symptoms or absenteeism, regardless of antibiotic treatment. Parents often choose to end antibiotic treatment prematurely due to adverse events, bad taste, or that they find treatment unnecessary. Children often experience adverse events when prescribed antibiotics, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global threat, accelerated by both misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Most antibiotics to humans are prescribed in primary care, commonly for respiratory symptoms, and there is a need for research on the usage of and outcomes after antibiotic treatment to counteract antibiotic resistance. To evaluate symptom duration, treatment length, and adverse events of antibiotic treatment in children. Observational study at four out-of-hours services and one paediatric emergency clinic in Norwegian emergency primary care. 266 children aged 0 to 6 years with fever or respiratory symptoms. Duration of symptoms and absenteeism from kindergarten/school, treatment length, and reported adverse events. There were no differences in duration of symptoms, fever or absenteeism when comparing the groups prescribed (30.8%) and not prescribed (69.2%) antibiotics. This lack of difference remained when analysing the subgroup with otitis media. In the group prescribed antibiotics, 84.5% of parents reported giving antibiotics for 5-7 days, and 50.7% reported no difficulties. Adverse events of antibiotics were reported in 42.3% of the cases, the vast majority being gastrointestinal disturbances. Children with fever or respiratory symptoms experience similar duration of symptoms and absenteeism regardless of antibiotic treatment. A substantial number of parents reported adverse events when the child received antibiotics. Several parents experienced additional difficulties with the treatment, some ending treatment within day 4. NCT02496559; Results. Children with fever or respiratory symptoms treated at OOH services experience similar duration of symptoms or absenteeism, regardless of antibiotic treatment. Parents often choose to end antibiotic treatment prematurely due to adverse events, bad taste, or that they find treatment unnecessary. Children often experience adverse events when prescribed antibiotics, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 02813432 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/02813432.2024.2305929 |
