Unnecessary Outpatient Use of Opioids and Steroids for Pediatric Pneumonia and Sinusitis

Pediatric guidelines for the management of respiratory tract infections do not recommend routine treatment with opioids or systemic corticosteroids. Both medications have significant side-effect profiles and safety concerns.

To assess use of these medications, investigators reviewed 2016 South Carolina Medicaid claims for visits by children aged 5 to 18 years who received a primary diagnosis of pneumonia or sinusitis in an emergency department (ED), urgent care, or ambulatory setting. Using pharmacy records, the investigators linked these visits to opioid and systemic corticosteroid prescriptions dispensed within 7 days. Children with diagnoses with a potential indication for these medications (e.g., complex chronic conditions, asthma) and t…