Xylitol for prevention of acute otitis media in children

Authors

  • Margarida Moreira Internos de formação específica de Medicina Geral e Familiar na USF das Ondas, ACeS Grande Porto IV – Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde
  • Margarida Ferreira da Silva Internos de formação específica de Medicina Geral e Familiar na USF das Ondas, ACeS Grande Porto IV – Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde
  • Francisco Pinto da Costa Internos de formação específica de Medicina Geral e Familiar na USF das Ondas, ACeS Grande Porto IV – Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde
  • Catarina Miranda Interna de formação específica de Medicina Geral e Familiar na USF do Mar, ACeS Grande Porto IV – Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v30i1.11241

Keywords:

Xylitol, Acute Otitis Media

Abstract

Aim: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common illness in children and accounts for a significant proportion of antibiotic prescriptions. However antibiotic use is controversial since the disease may be self-limiting and recurrent in childhood and excessive antibiotic use may lead to increased bacterial resistance. Xylitol has potential in preventing AOM. This review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of xylitol in preventing AOM in children. Data sources: National Guideline Clearinghouse, NHS Evidence, Canadian Medical Association, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines, Evidence Based Medicine, InfoPOEMs, TRIP, The Cochrane Library, DARE, Bandolier and Medline. Review methods: A search was performed between January 2000 and May 2012, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, using otitis media and xylitol as MeSH terms. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale was used to assess level of evidence and strength of recommendations. Results: Of the 106 articles found, 3 met the inclusion criteria. Two meta-analyses found evidence for the efficacy of xylitol in reducing the occurrence of AOM in children (Level of Evidence 2). A systematic review concluded that there was poor quality evidence for the use of xylitol in preventing AOM (Level of Evidence 2). Conclusions: Current evidence shows the efficacy of xylitol in preventing AOM in children (SORT B). Questions remain regarding the dose of xylitol, its long-term benefits, the duration of treatment, and the target population. Research on routes of administration providing better adherence to treatment in all age groups is needed.

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Published

2014-01-01

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 1 (2014): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Reviews

License

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How to Cite

Xylitol for prevention of acute otitis media in children . (2014). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 30(1), 32-6. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v30i1.11241

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