Antibiotics or Placebo? The Effectiveness & Cost of Treating Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

By Staff Writer

July 25, 2023

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a growing public health problem, particularly in relation to respiratory tract infections (RTIs) which are commonly treated in primary care. Antibiotic resistance is linked to primary care antibiotic prescribing and has significant cost implications. Despite a decrease in consultation and prescription rates for RTIs from the late 1990s to early 2000s, antibiotic use has fluctuated, rising again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children have higher consultation rates for RTIs and are often prescribed antibiotics, even when these prescriptions are at their lowest. There is limited evidence to support the use of antibiotics for chest infections in children, and differences between adults and children mean adult-derived evidence cannot be directly applied. Both parents and clinicians have concerns about illness progression and potential adverse outcomes. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of amoxicillin in children with uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infection.

 

A total of 432 children participated in this study- found that amoxicillin for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections in children is unlikely to be clinically effective or to reduce health or societal costs. The duration of symptoms was similar in the antibiotic and placebo groups, as were the rates of consultations, illness progression, and side effects. The costs per child to the NHS were slightly higher for antibiotics, but there was no difference in non-NHS costs. The study concluded that parents need better access to information and clear communication about managing their child’s illness. Clinicians also noted a reduction in parents’ expectations for antibiotics.

The study also found that the costs to the NHS per child were similar for both antibiotics and placebo (£29 vs £26), and societal costs were the same (£33). In the study they suggest that GPs should support parents to self-manage at home and provide clear communication about when and how to seek medical help. Parents whose children received antibiotics reported symptoms as moderately bad or worse for 5 days, while those given a placebo reported symptoms for 6 days. Side effects were similar in both groups. The study concluded that amoxicillin for chest infections in children is unlikely to be effective, and recommended that GPs support parents to self-manage at home while providing clear communication about when and how to seek medical help.

Reference url

Recent Posts

Novartis patent cliff layoffs
     

Engineering Resilience: Mastering Pharma Patent Expiration Strategy

🚨 Are you still reacting to pharmaceutical patent expirations with layoffs and litigation, or are you ready to engineer a strategy that turns the patent cliff into your next competitive edge?

Patent expirations don’t have to derail your pharma portfolio. Learn how to outmaneuver generics and transform challenges into advantages. Dive into our latest insights and take control today.

#SyenzaNews #pharmaceuticals #innovation #PharmaStrategy #patentcliffs

diabetes medicine access
               

Improving Diabetes Medicine Access: Key Changes in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

🚀 Are we on the verge of a breakthrough in diabetes medication accessibility?

The latest updates to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are set to transform type 2 diabetes management by expanding access to essential medicines like empagliflozin and streamlining the prescribing process for glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These changes not only prioritize equity for high-risk populations but also align with global trends in cost-effective healthcare.

Dive deeper into how these revisions could reshape diabetes care and promote better health outcomes for all.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #healthcare #MarketAccess

HPV testing HNSCC
    

HPV Testing in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

🔍 Are you up-to-date with the latest advancements in HPV testing for head and neck cancer?

Our comprehensive article looks into the innovation of diagnostic methods for HPV status determination in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). From traditional p16 immunohistochemistry to innovative liquid biopsies, discover the critical role these advancements play in prognosis, treatment planning, and improving patient outcomes.

Look into this essential topic and see how these insights could revolutionize clinical practices.

#SyenzaNews #oncology #HealthTech #HealthcareInnovation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.