Azithromycin for Preschoolers with Wheezing? Not So Fast

Respiratory tract infection causing wheezing is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization among young children. Attempts to treat possible bacterial pathogens associated with such illnesses have had mixed results. In this study, researchers enrolled 840 children 18−59 months of age with respiratory illness associated with moderate-to-severe expiratory wheeze presenting to an ED. Children were randomly assigned to receive 5 days of azithromycin or placebo. The study was halted early after results did not demonstrate benefit.