Diagnosis and Management of AOM

The joint clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians

Acute otitis media (AOM) continues to occupy the pages of pediatric journals, and JW Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine has published many summaries on this topic. Why? An obvious answer is that AOM is the most common illness for which children receive antibiotics. More to the point may be the uncertainty, complexity, and variability that accompany the diagnosis and management of this condition. After many years of struggle, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians have released a joint clinical practice guideline for AOM. Interestingly, their recommendations echo those promulgated by "ear experts" in a recent review (see JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 29 2004).

Two important themes emerge:

Accurate diagnos…

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD