Clinical Outcomes Associated with Amoxicillin Treatment for Acute Otitis Media in Children.

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common reason children are prescribed antibiotics. Bacteria that produce beta-lactamase are an increasingly frequent cause of AOM and may be resistant to amoxicillin, the currently recommended treatment for AOM. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of children treated with amoxicillin for AOM and assessed whether outcomes vary by infecting pathogen or beta-lactamase production.

Reliability of nasopharyngeal PCR for the detection of otopathogens in children with uncomplicated acute otitis media compared to culture.

Otopathogens in acute otitis media (AOM) have implications for care because the likelihood of resolution without antibiotics and optimal antibiotic agent varies by microorganism. We aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of nasopharyngeal (NP) qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for common bacterial otopathogens in children with AOM compared to NP culture. NP flocked swabs collected from enrolled children aged 6 to 35 months with uncomplicated AOM in Denver, CO were tested by culture and multiplex PCR.

Nasopharyngeal rapid diagnostic testing to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and individualize management of acute otitis media.

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common indication for antibiotics in children. The associated organism can influence the likelihood of antibiotic benefit and optimal treatment. Nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction can effectively exclude the presence of organisms in middle-ear fluid.

COVID-19 and Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Case Series.

Background: The association of SARS-CoV-2 with acute otitis media (AOM) in children is poorly understood.

Methods: Cases were identified as a subpopulation within the NO TEARS prospective AOM study in Denver, CO from March to December 2020. Children enrolled were 6 to 35 months of age with uncomplicated AOM; those with AOM and SARS-CoV-2 were included.

Experiences of Discrimination and Depression Trajectories over Pregnancy.

Introduction: Research on risk factors for prenatal depression is critical to improve the understanding, prevention, and treatment of women's psychopathology. The current study examines the relation between experiences of racial discrimination and trajectories of depression symptoms over the course of pregnancy.

Method: Participants completed standardized measures regarding symptoms of depression at four timepoints during pregnancy and reported on experiences of racial discrimination at one timepoint.