cefpodoxime-proxetil and Otitis-Media-with-Effusion

Acute otitis media (AOM) is diagnosed based on visualization of a full or bulging tympanic membrane with middle ear effusion. The distribution of bacteria causing AOM in North America under the influence of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination and antibiotic selection pressure has resulted in a predominance of β-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae followed by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although guidelines continue to endorse amoxicillin as the preferred treatment, amoxicillin/clavulanate in high dosage would be the preferred treatment based on the otopathogen mix currently. Antibiotic prophylaxis has fallen into disfavor as a preventative strategy for AOM recurrences.

Topics: Age Factors; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Infections; Cefdinir; Cefpodoxime Proxetil; Ceftizoxime; Cefuroxime; Cephalosporins; Child; Child, Preschool; Haemophilus influenzae; Humans; Infant; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Moraxella catarrhalis; Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion; Otoscopy; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Time Factors; Tympanic Membrane

The objective of this paper was to determine the effectiveness of combined steroid-antimicrobial therapy for otitis media with effusion (OME) of sufficient duration to justify tympanostomy tube insertion. A consecutive sample of 122 children with bilateral OME of at least three months duration, or unilateral OME of at least six months duration, despite treatment with one or more beta-lactamase stable antibiotics was studied. The treatment group received prednisolone plus a beta-lactamase stable antibiotic for 10 days, with responders receiving an additional six weeks of chemoprophylaxis. The control group received no medication. The child's caregiver decided which group the child should be in. Resolution of effusion in all affected ears occurred in 32 per cent of steroid-treated children and in 2 per cent of controls (p < 0.001) at three to four weeks post-therapy. Relapse of effusion occurred in over 40 per cent of initial responders within six months, reducing the final resolution rate to 25 per cent (95 per cent CI: 15-36 per cent). It was concluded that treatment with oral steroids should be considered in selected children with chronic OME prior to surgical intervention. One in every four children whose caregiver consents to this therapy may avoid or postpone surgery for at least six months.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cefpodoxime Proxetil; Ceftizoxime; Child, Preschool; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Otitis Media with Effusion; Prednisolone; Prodrugs; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome