Pediatricians Urged to Sharpen antibiotic Stewardship as Resistance Concerns Grow
CHICAGO – New strategies to optimize antibiotic prescribing in pediatric practice are being emphasized as concerns mount over increasing antimicrobial resistance, impacting treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.Experts are calling for a multi-faceted approach encompassing updated clinical guidance,enhanced diagnostic tools,and improved interaction with families to curb inappropriate antibiotic use in children.
Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health, and children are particularly vulnerable.Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the advancement of resistant bacteria, making common infections harder to treat and potentially leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Pediatricians are at the forefront of this challenge, as children experience frequent infections – many of which are viral and do not require antibiotics. A recent report highlighted that up to 25% of antibiotic prescriptions for children are considered inappropriate.
Several key areas are being targeted to improve antibiotic stewardship. Updated guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize a “wait-and-see” approach for certain diagnoses, such as acute otitis media (ear infection) in otherwise healthy children. These guidelines recommend observation for 48-72 hours before initiating antibiotic therapy, allowing the body’s immune system to potentially resolve the infection naturally.
“We need to move away from the reflex to prescribe antibiotics and really focus on shared decision-making with families,” said Dr. Elizabeth Barnett, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases.”Explaining to parents why antibiotics aren’t necessary for viral infections, and discussing alternative symptom management strategies, is crucial.”
Moreover, advancements in diagnostic testing are offering pediatricians more precise tools to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections. Rapid molecular tests can quickly identify bacterial pathogens,reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics and enabling targeted treatment when necessary. The FDA has recently approved several new rapid diagnostic tests for common pediatric infections.
Healio CME resources and clinical guidance continue to provide pediatricians with the latest evidence-based strategies for antibiotic stewardship. Ongoing education and training are essential to ensure clinicians remain up-to-date on best practices.
Looking ahead, collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, public health agencies, and families will be vital to combat antibiotic resistance and protect the health of future generations. Enrolling in clinical trials focused on novel antibiotic therapies and stewardship interventions is also encouraged.
