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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2005 Dec;12(12):643-652
Using the 2004 AAP/AAFT clinical practice guidelines on diagnosis and management of acute otitis media
Harrison CJ
Educational Needs Addressed Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common disease in children for which antibiotics are prescribed. The use of antibiotics in its treatment, however, remains a controversial area in medical practice. Management is further complicated by the increasing patterns of antimicrobial resistance among common otopathogens. Evidence-based guidelines can help clarify the clinical management of diseases when controversy exists. Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that clinicians be stringent in adhering to a consistent definition of AOM in making the diagnosis and to clearly differentiate AOM from otitis media with effusion and from normal middle ear findings. Guidance is given on choosing an antibacterial agent and when antibiotics may be withheld. Several new developments since release of the guidelines add new challenges in antibiotic selection. Educational Objectives After participating in this CME activity, primary care physicians should be able to 1. Know the new select criteria for diagnosing AOM and categorizing its severity 2. State in which patients observation without antibiotic therapy is a reasonable treatment option 3. Understand the changing microbiology of AOM resulting from universal use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 4. Know the recommended antibacterial agents for treating AOM
Case-Based Review
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