EDs Treated 70,000 Children for Antibiotic Adverse Events from 2011-15
September 24th, 2018
Over a four-year period, antibiotics sent thousands of American children and adolescents to the ED for allergic reactions and other adverse effects.
In a recent analysis, researchers used data from a nationally representative sample of hospitals to compare nationwide estimates for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions and ED visits attributed to the use of antibiotics in a cohort of patients 19 years of age and younger. Allergic reactions, including rash, pruritus, and angioedema, accounted for 86% of ED visits among these patients.
The authors targeted amoxicillin as the most likely candidate to send children 9 years of age and younger to the ED. For patients 10-19 years of age, investigators concluded that sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was the likeliest culprit.
Overall, children 2 years of age and younger were at the greatest risk for emergency care for an antibiotic reaction. More alarming is that at least one-third of outpatient pediatric antibiotic prescriptions have been determined unnecessary.
The authors suggested providing more information to prescribers about adverse drug effects, especially among pediatric patients.
Pediatric Trauma 2019: Raising the Bar to Excellence
We understand that when it comes to your smallest patients, you may be met with some of your biggest challenges. Written by leading experts in the field, Relias Media's latest digital resource, Pediatric Trauma 2019, will be your next go-to resource for the latest on how to decrease risk, stabilize, and improve outcomes for your pediatric patients. What's more? You'll earn 18 valuable pediatric trauma-specific CME/CE credits in this single publication, with credits available instantly after testing.
