CRITICAL insights into outpatient antibiotic use and treatment failure rates among U.S. children diagnosed with pneumonia, underscoring significant gaps in care, have been revealed in a new study. This research found that approximately 20% of children with pneumonia did not receive antibiotic prescriptions, a concerning trend considering pneumonia’s status as one of the most prevalent pediatric infections.
Researchers analyzed data on nearly 2,100 children diagnosed with pneumonia in outpatient settings. Among children who were prescribed antibiotics, nearly 18% experienced treatment failure, defined by the need for additional antibiotics, hospitalizations, or emergency department visits within 14 days of diagnosis. These findings emphasize the need for more precise antibiotic stewardship to ensure effective and timely treatment in pediatric pneumonia cases.
The study also highlighted regional disparities, with treatment failure rates varying significantly depending on the location and practice. This variability points to potential differences in clinical guidelines adherence, patient access to care, and other factors influencing antibiotic prescribing practices.
Experts recommend that providers consider this new evidence to refine decision-making for pediatric pneumonia treatment. Judicious antibiotic use is essential, not only to prevent treatment failure but also to mitigate risks associated with antibiotic overuse, such as resistance and adverse effects in children.
Given these findings, enhancing clinical training and guideline-based approaches to antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric pneumonia could support better outcomes and reduce treatment failure rates.
Reference: Shapiro DJ et al. Outpatient antibiotic use and treatment failure among children with pneumonia. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(10):e2441821.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
