Racial Disparities in Treatment of Ear Infections May Contribute to Antibiotic Overuse

Summary: Black children are less likely to be diagnosed with and less likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics for ear infections than white children are, a new study has found. But the discrepancy in prescribing fewer broad-spectrum antibiotics means black children actually are more likely to receive care that aligns with the recommended guidelines for treating ear infections. Adam Hersh, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah led the study. He discusses the findings and their implications. The work appears in <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org"> Pediatrics</a> online on Nov. 17.