Are Antibiotics Needed for Pediatric Pneumonia?
November 1, 2024
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2 min
A recent cohort study evaluated outpatient antibiotic use in pediatric pneumonia and associated treatment outcomes. It found that nearly one in five children diagnosed with pneumonia in outpatient settings did not receive antibiotics. Treatment failure occurred in 10.7% of children without antibiotics and 8.7% of those with antibiotics. Severe outcomes were infrequent, with a risk difference between those receiving and not receiving antibiotics. The study also revealed demographic differences in antibiotic use, highlighting the need for further research to clarify which children may be managed effectively without immediate antibiotics.
1. 20% of children diagnosed with pneumonia in outpatient settings did not receive antibiotics. 2. Treatment failure occurred in 10.7% of children without antibiotics and 8.7% of those with antibiotics. 3. Severe outcomes were infrequent, with a risk difference between those receiving and not receiving antibiotics. 4. Demographic differences in antibiotic use were observed. 5. Further research is needed to clarify which children may be managed effectively without immediate antibiotics.
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