Can a nationwide media campaign affect antibiotic use?

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nationwide media campaign to reduce antibiotic overuse among children.

Study Design: Prospective observational study of the pediatric population of a health maintenance organization (HMO) comparing antibiotic use during the baseline (November 2004-February 2005) and study (November 2005-February 2006) periods.

Methods: During January 2006 the HMO conducted a media campaign to increase public awareness of the risks of misusing antibiotics, particularly for influenza-like diseases.

Is nebulized aerosol treatment necessary in the pediatric emergency department?

Background: Infants and small children admitted to the pediatric emergency department (PED) with acute wheezing episodes (AWE) are currently treated with nebulized wet aerosol (NWA).

Objective: To determine the efficacy of MDI with Nebuchamber (Astra AB; Lund, Sweden), a nonelectrostatic spacer device (NESD), as compared to NWA in the treatment of an unselected population of babies and small children with AWE.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.