Antibiotics for Otitis Media with Effusion in Children

Abstract

The "Cochrane Corner" is a quarterly section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review, "Antibiotics for Otitis Media with Effusion in Children," that does not support the routine use of antibiotics for treating otitis media with effusion in children. Although children treated with antibiotics had higher rates of effusion resolution, there was no impact on hearing levels or the need for tympanostomy tubes.

Keywords: antibiotic therapy; otitis media with effusion; systematic review.