Diagnostic Testing and Antibiotic Use in Young Children With Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the United States, 2008-2015

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2020 Apr 30;9(2):248-252. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piz026.

Abstract

Diagnostic testing and antibiotics are not routinely recommended for young children with community-acquired pneumonia. In a national sample of >6 million outpatient 1- to 6-year-olds with community-acquired pneumonia between 2008 and 2015, a complete blood count was obtained for 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1%-11.1%), radiography was performed for 43% (95% CI, 36%-50%), and antibiotics were given for 73.9% (95% CI, 67.1%-80.7%). There were no changes in testing or antibiotic use over time.

Keywords: antibiotics; children; diagnostic testing; pneumonia; radiography.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia / virology
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents