Improve Clinical Outcomes
Otitis Media is the #1 Indication for Antibiotics and the #1 Reason for Surgery in Children
Nearly every child in America (93%) will suffer at least one middle ear infection (otitis media) severe enough to see a doctor, and most will suffer repeat occurrences, up to a dozen or more in childhood. These painful episodes are difficult for children, parents, and caregivers. Accurate diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media in infants and young children may be difficult. Clinical studies show diagnostic error rates averaging 50 percent, particularly in the key differentiation of whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic. As a result, patients are often given ineffective treatment and are referred to specialists more often than necessary.
Overdiagnosis is Rampant — and Dangerous
The CDC estimates that antibiotics, prescribed in 85% of cases, should be prescribed in just 15-20% cases, or less.
Unnecessary antibiotics are encouraging the development of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs."
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. The CDC call it “one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.”
Greater resistance among pathogens that cause Acute Otitis Media have driven an increase in the use of broader-spectrum more expensive bacterial agents https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/5/1451
Unnecessary antibiotics increase the likelihood that children will experience adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322850.php
Around 80% of cases of Acute Otitis Media in children resolve within 3 days with no antibiotic treatment. NICE. Clinical knowledge summary. Otitis Media acute. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/otitis-media-acute#!topicsummary
Under-diagnosis is Equally Dangerous
Underdiagnosis may lead to surgery, to permanent hearing loss and delay early language acquisition https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27841699, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6712285/
Many cases of otitis media are asymptomatic; they can exist undetected for months or years, resulting in significant damage to the middle ear https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31223299
Antibiotics are often prescribed to avoid these severe consequences because with today's technology "we just can't be sure“ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30788882
Current tools for the assessment of otitis media are approximately 50% accurate. Clinicians do not have an objective method to determine the type of otitis media and appropriate antibacterial therapy. Physicians and parents frustrated by current recommendations of the watch and wait approach. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4393005/