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

## TL;DR

This study found that children with respiratory infections or fever had similar recovery times whether or not they were given antibiotics, and many parents reported side effects or stopped treatment early.

## Contribution

The study provides new observational evidence on the real-world outcomes and challenges of antibiotic use in young children with respiratory symptoms.

## Key findings

- Children prescribed antibiotics had similar symptom duration and absenteeism as those not prescribed.
- Over 40% of children experienced adverse events, mostly gastrointestinal issues.
- Many parents stopped antibiotic treatment early due to side effects or perceived lack of need.

## Abstract

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

NCT02496559; Results.

Children with fever or respiratory symptoms treated at OOH services experience similar duration of symptoms or absenteeism, regardless of antibiotic treatment.

Parents often choose to end antibiotic treatment prematurely due to adverse events, bad taste, or that they find treatment unnecessary.

Children often experience adverse events when prescribed antibiotics, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms.