Approximately 634 per 1,000 children are diagnosed with AOM each year, and although many improve spontaneously, 80% are treated with antibiotics.¹ In 2004, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed watchful waiting for well-appearing children 6 to 23 months of age with mild disease or an uncertain diagnosis. However, prior studies lacked strict diagnostic criteria for AOM and included children who received suboptimal antibiotic dosing, raising concern about widespread adoption of this strategy.

To determine the impact of antibiotics in resolution of AOM.

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at 1 US children’s hospital and an affiliated outpatient practice from 2006 to 2009.