For Release: January 13, 1997, 5 PM (ET)
Below is a highlight of a study published in the January issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive full text of this study, please contact the Division of Public Relations at 847/981-7877 or e-mail the division at [email protected] and ask for C23.
FOR EAR INFECTIONS, SINGLE SHOT AS EFFECTIVE AS ORAL TREATMENT
CHICAGO--When treating ear infections, a single injection of an antibiotic is as effective as the traditional 10 days of oral treatment, according to a study in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ear infections are "the most common reason, other than well-child visits, for children to be seen by a health provider," according to the study. The authors, from Boston City Hospital, Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Medicine, studied 484 children ages 3 months through 3 years of age. For parents, a single-dose therapy would eliminate incomplete therapy due to lost, spilled or vomited medicine, waiting time at the pharmacy and remembering to give multiple doses in a timely manner. Since nearly two-thirds of children have had one ear infection by their first birthday and almost half of all children have had three or more episodes by age 3, the study said shorter therapy would not only increase compliance, but also may decrease cost and possibly decrease the likelihood of developing resistant organisms. The study was supported by a grant from Roche Laboratories.
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EDITORS NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the Academy. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 51,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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