Outcomes of antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections in children an observational study in primary care

Abstract

Background: 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.

Objective: To evaluate symptom duration, treatment length, and adverse events of antibiotic treatment in children.

Design and Setting: Observational study at four out-of-hours services and one paediatric emergency clinic in Norwegian emergency primary care.

Subjects: 266 children aged 0 to 6 years with fever or respiratory symptoms.

Main Outcome Measures: Duration of symptoms and absenteeism from kindergarten/school, treatment length, and reported adverse events.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.