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Oseltamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor, has been shown to benefit adults with influenza, but its safety and efficacy are not as well demonstrated in children.
Researchers performed a meta-analysis of data from five randomized, placebo-controlled trials (one unpublished) that examined the safety and efficacy of oseltamivir treatment in over 2500 children aged <18 years with either proven influenza or influenza-like illness. Two studies included only children with asthma, and four of the five trials enrolled children within 48 hours of symptom onset. Findings include the following:
For patients with documented influenza infection, treatment with oseltamivir resulted in:
A 34% reduction in risk for developing otitis media
A non–statistically sign…