Preventive Antibiotics Help Some Kids Fend Off Urinary Infections

Related Encyclopedia • Acne • Alagille Syndrome • Appendicitis • Asthma in Children More... Related Animations • Dental Cavities • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) More... Related Healthscout Videos Laser Surgery Saves Twins Targeting the Cause of Austism: Medicine's Next Big Thing? Sports: Play Younger, Play Longer Fixing Babies' Heads More... Related Drug Information • Adderal XR • Concerta • Strattera More... Related News Articles • 1 in 10 Child Athletes Injured, Experts Say • Health Tip: Have a Spooky, Yet Safe Halloween • Counseling for New Moms Can Sway Kids' Eating Habits • Disaster Planners Should Give Higher Priority to Kids: Survey More...

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2

The median age of the children at the start of the study was 14 months, and they were recruited from four centers in Australia. Just under two-thirds of the children were girls.

Half of the children (288) were randomly selected to receive the antibiotic combination preventively for 12 months, while the other youngsters received a placebo for 12 months.

The finding that 13 percent of the children receiving antibiotics developed a UTI during the study period versus 19 percent of those on placebo means that 14 children have to be treated with antibiotics to prevent one UTI from occurring, according to the study.

Text Continues Below

---

There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of adverse events in either group.

"This study is a welcome addition to the literature. It was a larger sample of children and had a control group with placebo, but there were only modest treatment effects. I think it's probably not a one-size-fits-all approach. There may still be subgroups of children [like those with reflux] who may benefit more," said Hoberman.

But, he added, "I'm not ready to completely discount antimicrobial prophylaxis yet. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Craig said he believes the modest reduction in urinary tract infections with preventive antibiotic use outweighs the potential risks, such as the possible development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

More Information

To learn more about urinary tract infections in children, visit the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2