Decline in early childhood respiratory tract infections in the Norwegian mother and child cohort study after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination

Antibiotic use for airway infections in Norwegian children-A national register-based study

AIM

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are major contributors to childhood antibiotic use. We aimed to investigate geographical and temporal trends in the prescription of antibiotics and consultations for RTIs in children <18 years living in Norway from 2010 to 2017.

METHODS

In a nationwide observational study, we analysed antibiotic prescriptions from the Norwegian Prescription Database and reimbursed contacts from primary care physicians. We limited the study to airway antibiotics and diagnostic codes indicating RTIs.

RESULTS

Antibiotic prescriptions due to an RTI varied from 75 to 134 per 1000 consultation due to RTI across counties in Norway (relative risk 1.79, 95% CI 1.68-1.90 for highest compared to lowest). The use of health care varied from 414 to 585 consultations for RTI per 1000 inhabitant/year (relative risk 1.43, 95% CI 1.41-1.44 for highest compared to lowest). From 2010 to 2017, we observed a 21% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions per RTI consultation and of 6% for the number of consultations for an RTI. At the county level, the use of health care was positively associated with the proportion of RTIs that resulted in antibiotic prescription.

CONCLUSION

We found a reduction in doctors' antibiotic prescription and the use of health care for RTIs, and a variation across counties.

Recurrent Acute Otitis Media Environmental Risk Factors: A Literature Review from the Microbiota Point of View

Acute otitis media (AOM) constitutes a multifactorial disease, as several host and environmental factors contribute to its occurrence. Prevention of AOM represents one of the most important goals in pediatrics, both in developing countries, in which complications, mortality, and deafness remain possible consequences of the disease, compared to in developed countries, in which this condition has an important burden in terms of medical, social, and economical implications. The strategies for AOM prevention are based on reducing the burden of risk factors, through the application of behavioral, environmental, and therapeutic interventions. The introduction of culture-independent techniques has allowed high-throughput investigation of entire bacterial communities, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of middle ear diseases through the identification of potential protective bacteria. The upper respiratory tract (URT) is a pivotal region in AOM pathogenesis, as it could act as a source of pathogens than of protective microorganisms for the middle ear (ME). Due to its direct connection with the external ambient, the URT is particularly exposed to the influence of environmental agents. The aim of this review was to evaluate AOM environmental risk factors and their impact on URT microbial communities, and to investigate AOM pathogenesis from the microbiota perspective.

Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccines on Otitis Media in Children: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines on otitis media (OM) and acute otitis media (AOM) in children.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search in databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Lilacs, and Web of Science. We included observational studies that evaluated any pneumococcal vaccine - including 7, 10, and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13) and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23) as the intervention, in children aged less than five years.

RESULTS

Out of the 2112 screened studies, 48 observational studies complied with the eligibility criteria and therefore were included in this review. Of the included studies, 30 (63%) were before-after, eleven (23%) cohort, six (13%) time series, and one (2%) case-control study designs. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) in preventing OM or AOM varied by vaccine type. In children under 24 months VE ranged from 8% and 42.7% (PCV7), 5.6% to 84% (PCV10) and 2.2% to 68% (PCV13). In children aged less than 60 months, VE ranged between 13.2% and 39% for PCV7, 11% to 39% for PCV10 (only children under 48 months), and 39% to 41% (PCV13).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate significant effect of pneumococcal vaccination in decreasing OM or AOM in children under five years old in several countries supporting the public health value of introducing PCVs in national immunization programs.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for preventing acute otitis media in children

BACKGROUND

Prior to introducing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), Streptococcus pneumoniae was most commonly isolated from the middle ear fluid of children with acute otitis media (AOM). Reducing nasopharyngeal colonisation of this bacterium by PCVs may lead to a decline in AOM. The effects of PCVs deserve ongoing monitoring since studies from the post-PCV era report a shift in causative otopathogens towards non-vaccine serotypes and other bacteria. This updated Cochrane Review was first published in 2002 and updated in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of PCVs in preventing AOM in children up to 12 years of age.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, and two trials registers, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP, to 11 June 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of PCV versus placebo or control vaccine.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were frequency of all-cause AOM and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes included frequency of pneumococcal AOM and frequency of recurrent AOM (defined as three or more AOM episodes in six months or four or more in one year). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 publications of 11 trials (60,733 children, range 74 to 37,868 per trial) of 7- to 11-valent PCVs versus control vaccines (meningococcus type C vaccine in three trials, and hepatitis A or B vaccine in eight trials). We included one additional publication of a previously included trial for this 2020 update. We did not find any relevant trials with the newer 13-valent PCV. Most studies were funded by pharmaceutical companies. Overall, risk of bias was low. In seven trials (59,415 children), PCVs were administered in early infancy, whilst four trials (1318 children) included children aged one year and over who were either healthy or had a history of respiratory illness. There was considerable clinical heterogeneity across studies, therefore we reported results from individual studies. PCV administered in early infancy PCV7 The licenced 7-valent PCV with CRM197 as carrier protein (CRM197-PCV7) was associated with a 6% (95% confidence interval (CI) -4% to 16%; 1 trial; 1662 children) and 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%; 1 trial; 37,868 children) relative risk reduction (RRR) in low-risk infants (moderate-certainty evidence), but was not associated with a reduction in all-cause AOM in high-risk infants (RRR -5%, 95% CI -25% to 12%). PCV7 with the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B as carrier protein (OMPC-PCV7) was not associated with a reduction in all-cause AOM (RRR -1%, 95% CI -12% to 10%; 1 trial; 1666 children; low-certainty evidence). CRM197-PCV7 and OMPC-PCV7 were associated with 20% (95% CI 7% to 31%) and 25% (95% CI 11% to 37%) RRR in pneumococcal AOM, respectively (2 trials; 3328 children; high-certainty evidence), and CRM197-PCV7 with 9% (95% CI -12% to 27%) and 10% (95% CI 7% to 13%) RRR in recurrent AOM (2 trials; 39,530 children; moderate-certainty evidence). PHiD-CV10/11 The effect of a licenced 10-valent PCV conjugated to protein D, a surface lipoprotein of Haemophilus influenzae, (PHiD-CV10) on all-cause AOM in healthy infants varied from 6% (95% CI -6% to 17%; 1 trial; 5095 children) to 15% (95% CI -1% to 28%; 1 trial; 7359 children) RRR (low-certainty evidence). PHiD-CV11 was associated with 34% (95% CI 21% to 44%) RRR in all-cause AOM (1 trial; 4968 children; moderate-certainty evidence). PHiD-CV10 and PHiD-CV11 were associated with 53% (95% CI 16% to 74%) and 52% (95% CI 37% to 63%) RRR in pneumococcal AOM (2 trials; 12,327 children; high-certainty evidence), and PHiD-CV11 with 56% (95% CI -2% to 80%) RRR in recurrent AOM (1 trial; 4968 children; low-certainty evidence). PCV administered at a later age PCV7 We found no evidence of a beneficial effect on all-cause AOM of administering CRM197-PCV7 in children aged 1 to 7 years with a history of respiratory illness or frequent AOM (2 trials; 457 children; moderate-certainty evidence) and CRM197-PCV7 combined with a trivalent influenza vaccine in children aged 18 to 72 months with a history of respiratory tract infections (1 trial; 597 children; moderate-certainty evidence). CRM197-PCV9 In 1 trial including 264 healthy daycare attendees aged 1 to 3 years, CRM197-PCV9 was associated with 17% (95% CI -2% to 33%) RRR in parent-reported all-cause otitis media (very low-certainty evidence). Adverse events Nine trials reported on adverse effects (77,389 children; high-certainty evidence). Mild local reactions and fever were common in both groups, and occurred more frequently in PCV than in control vaccine groups: redness (< 2.5 cm): 5% to 20% versus 0% to 16%; swelling (< 2.5 cm): 5% to 12% versus 0% to 8%; and fever (< 39 °C): 15% to 44% versus 8% to 25%. More severe redness (> 2.5 cm), swelling (> 2.5 cm), and fever (> 39 °C) occurred less frequently (0% to 0.9%, 0.1% to 1.3%, and 0.4% to 2.5%, respectively) in children receiving PCV, and did not differ significantly between PCV and control vaccine groups. Pain or tenderness, or both, was reported more frequently in PCV than in control vaccine groups: 3% to 38% versus 0% to 8%. Serious adverse events judged to be causally related to vaccination were rare and did not differ significantly between groups, and no fatal serious adverse event judged causally related to vaccination was reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Administration of the licenced CRM197-PCV7 and PHiD-CV10 during early infancy is associated with large relative risk reductions in pneumococcal AOM. However, the effects of these vaccines on all-cause AOM is far more uncertain based on low- to moderate-certainty evidence. We found no evidence of a beneficial effect on all-cause AOM of administering PCVs in high-risk infants, after early infancy, and in older children with a history of respiratory illness. Compared to control vaccines, PCVs were associated with an increase in mild local reactions (redness, swelling), fever, and pain and/or tenderness. There was no evidence of a difference in more severe local reactions, fever, or serious adverse events judged to be causally related to vaccination.

Updated Guidelines for the Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children by the Italian Society of Pediatrics: Prevention

BACKGROUND

In recent years, new information has been acquired regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of acute otitis media (AOM). The Italian Pediatric Society, therefore, decided to issue an update to the Italian Pediatric Society guidelines published in 2010.

METHODS

The search was conducted on Pubmed, and only those studies regarding the pediatric age alone, in English or Italian, published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018, were included. Each study included in the review was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology. The quality of the systematic reviews was evaluated using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 appraisal tool. The guidelines were formulated using the GRADE methodology by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.

RESULTS

The importance of eliminating risk factors (passive smoking, environmental pollution, use of pacifier, obesity, limitation of day-care center attendance) and the promotion of breastfeeding and hygiene practices (nasal lavages) was confirmed. The importance of pneumococcal vaccination in the prevention of AOM was reiterated with regard to the prevention of both the first episode of AOM and recurrences. Grommets can be inserted in selected cases of recurrent AOM that did not respond to all other prevention strategies. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for the prevention of recurrent AOM, except in certain carefully selected cases. The use of complementary therapies, probiotics, xylitol and vitamin D is not recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevention of episodes of AOM requires the elimination of risk factors and pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. The use of other products such as probiotics and vitamin D is not supported by adequate evidence.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for preventing acute otitis media in children

BACKGROUND

Prior to introducing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), Streptococcus pneumoniae was most commonly isolated from middle ear fluid of children with acute otitis media (AOM). Reducing nasopharyngeal colonisation of this bacterium by PCVs may lead to a decline in AOM. The effects of PCVs deserve ongoing monitoring since studies from the post-PCV era report a shift in causative otopathogens towards non-vaccine serotypes and other bacteria. This updated Cochrane Review was first published in 2002 and updated in 2004, 2009, and 2014. The review title was changed (to include the population, i.e. children) for this update.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of PCVs in preventing AOM in children up to 12 years of age.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, and trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP) to 29 March 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of PCV versus placebo or control vaccine.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were frequency of all-cause AOM and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes included frequency of pneumococcal AOM and frequency of recurrent AOM (defined as three or more AOM episodes in six months or four or more in one year). We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 14 publications of 11 trials (60,733 children, range 74 to 37,868 per trial) of 7- to 11-valent PCVs versus control vaccines (meningococcus type C vaccine in three trials, and hepatitis A or B vaccine in eight trials). We included two additional trials for this update. We did not find any relevant trials with the newer 13-valent PCV. Most studies were funded by pharmaceutical companies. Overall, risk of bias was low. In seven trials (59,415 children) PCVs were administered in early infancy, while four trials (1318 children) included children aged one year and over who were either healthy or had a history of respiratory illness. There was considerable clinical heterogeneity across studies, therefore we did not perform meta-analyses.Adverse eventsNine trials reported on adverse effects (77,389 children; high-quality evidence). Mild local reactions and fever were common in both groups, and occurred more frequently in PCV than in control vaccine groups: redness (< 2.5 cm): 5% to 20% versus 0% to 16%; swelling (< 2.5 cm): 5% to 12% versus 0% to 8%; and fever (< 39 °C): 15% to 44% versus 8% to 25%. More severe redness (> 2.5 cm), swelling (> 2.5 cm), and fever (> 39 °C) occurred less frequently (0% to 0.9%, 0.1% to 1.3%, and 0.4% to 2.5%, respectively in children receiving PCV) and did not differ significantly between PCV and control vaccine groups. Pain or tenderness, or both was reported more frequently in PCV than in control vaccine groups: 3% to 38% versus 0% to 8%. Serious adverse events judged causally related to vaccination were rare and did not differ significantly between groups, and no fatal serious adverse event judged causally related to vaccination was reported.PCV administered in early infancyPCV7The effect of a licenced 7-valent PCV with CRM197 as carrier protein (CRM197-PCV7) on all-cause AOM varied from -5% (95% confidence interval (CI) -25% to 12%) relative risk reduction (RRR) in high-risk infants (1 trial; 944 children; moderate-quality evidence) to 6% (95% CI -4% to 16%; 1 trial; 1662 children) and 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%; 1 trial; 37,868 children) RRR in low-risk infants (high-quality evidence). PCV7 with the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B as carrier protein (OMPC-PCV7), was not associated with a reduction in all-cause AOM (RRR -1%, 95% CI -12% to 10%; 1 trial; 1666 children; high-quality evidence).CRM197-PCV7 and OMPC-PCV7 were associated with 20% (95% CI 7% to 31%) and 25% (95% CI 11% to 37%) RRR in pneumococcal AOM, respectively (2 trials; 3328 children; high-quality evidence) and CRM197-PCV7 with 9% (95% CI -12% to 27%) to 10% (95% CI 7% to 13%) RRR in recurrent AOM (2 trials; 39,530 children; high-quality evidence).PHiD-CV10/11The effect of a licenced 10-valent PCV conjugated to protein D, a surface lipoprotein of Haemophilus influenzae, (PHiD-CV10) on all-cause AOM varied from 6% (95% CI -6% to 17%; 1 trial; 5095 children) to 15% (95% CI -1% to 28%; 1 trial; 7359 children) RRR in healthy infants (moderate-quality evidence). PHiD-CV11 was associated with 34% (95% CI 21% to 44%) RRR in all-cause AOM (1 trial; 4968 children; high-quality evidence).PHiD-CV10 and PHiD-CV11 were associated with 53% (95% CI 16% to 74%) and 52% (95% CI 37% to 63%) RRR in pneumococcal AOM (2 trials; 12,327 children; high-quality evidence) and PHiD-CV11 with 56% (95% CI -2% to 80%) RRR in recurrent AOM (1 trial; 4968 children; moderate-quality evidence).PCV administered at later agePCV7We found no evidence of a beneficial effect on all-cause AOM of administering CRM197-PCV7 in children aged 1 to 7 years with a history of respiratory illness or frequent AOM (2 trials; 457 children; high-quality evidence) and CRM197-PCV7 combined with a trivalent influenza vaccine in children aged 18 to 72 months with a history of respiratory tract infections (1 trial; 597 children; high-quality evidence).CRM197-PCV9In 1 trial including 264 healthy day-care attendees aged 1 to 3 years, CRM197-PCV9 was associated with 17% (95% CI -2% to 33%) RRR in parent-reported all-cause OM (low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Administration of the licenced CRM197-PCV7 and PHiD-CV10 during early infancy is associated with large relative risk reductions in pneumococcal AOM. However, the effects of these vaccines on all-cause AOM is far more uncertain. We found no evidence of a beneficial effect on all-cause AOM of administering PCVs in high-risk infants, after early infancy (i.e. in children one year and above), and in older children with a history of respiratory illness. Compared to control vaccines, PCVs were associated with an increase in mild local reactions (redness, swelling), fever, and pain and/or tenderness. We found no evidence of a difference in more severe local reactions, fever, or serious adverse events judged causally related to vaccination.

Health inequalities among children and adolescents in Germany. Developments over time and trends from the KiGGS study

This study examines the extent to which health inequalities among children and adolescents in Germany have developed over the past decade. The analyses are based on data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), which are representative of the 0- to 17-year-old population in Germany. The KiGGS data were collected in three waves: the KiGGS baseline study (2003-2006), KiGGS Wave 1 (2009-2012) and KiGGS Wave 2 (2014-2017). Prevalences of five health outcomes are considered: general health, mental health problems, physical activity, the consumption of sugary soft drinks, and smoking. Moreover, it defines health inequalities in relation to differences in the socioeconomic status of the family (SES), an index derived from the parents' level of education, occupation and income, and considers both absolute and relative health inequalities. In order to do so, the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were calculated using linear probability or log-binomial models. Significant inequalities were identified to the detriment of young people from families with a low SES. These inequalities were particularly pronounced in the KiGGS Wave 2 data with regard to general health and the consumption of sugary soft drinks. Additionally, evidence from trend analyses for these two outcomes suggests that relative inequalities have increased. However, absolute inequalities decreased during the same period, and this also applies to smoking. The persistently high and, in some cases, widened levels of health inequalities indicate that adolescents from families with a low SES do not benefit to the same extent from disease prevention and health promotion measures for children and adolescents as young people from families with a higher SES.

Decreased Acute Otitis Media With Treatment Failure After Introduction of the Ten-valent Pneumococcal Haemophilus influenzae Protein D Conjugate Vaccine

BACKGROUND

Acute otitis media (AOM) nonresponsive to antibiotics is most commonly caused by antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. A strategy for treating these infections with parenteral ceftriaxone was adopted at the Children's Hospital Iceland. The 10-valent pneumococcal H. influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine was introduced into the vaccination program in Iceland in 2011. The aim was to study its effect on the incidence of AOM with treatment failure.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included children who visited the Children's Hospital Iceland because of AOM or received ceftriaxone, regardless of indication from 2008-2015. Incidence rate was calculated for prevaccine (2008-2011) and postvaccine (2012-2015) periods using person-years at risk within the hospital's referral region. Incidence rate ratio of ceftriaxone treatment episodes of AOM was calculated using the Mantel-Haenzel method adjusting for age. Incidence risk ratio of ceftriaxone treatment if presenting to the hospital with AOM was calculated to adjust for rate of AOM visits.

RESULTS

Visits for AOM decreased from 47.5 to 33.9 visits per 1000 person-years, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.91), P < 0.001. Fewer AOM episodes were treated with ceftriaxone, decreasing from 6.49 to 2.96 treatment episodes per 1000 person-years, with an overall Mantel-Haenzel adjusted IRR 0.45 (95% CI: 0.37-0.54; P < 0.001). This remained significant after adjusting for the decrease in AOM visits, IRR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.44-0.63; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Visits for AOM and ceftriaxone use decreased significantly after H. influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine introduction. The observed decrease in ceftriaxone use is presumed to represent a decline in AOM with treatment failure, secondary to a decrease in resistant infections.

Trends in Otitis Media and Myringotomy With Tube Placement Among American Indian and Alaska Native Children and the US General Population of Children After Introduction of the 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

BACKGROUND

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have experienced higher otitis media (OM) outpatient visit rates than other US children. To understand recent trends, we evaluated AI/AN OM rates before and after 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction.

METHODS

We analyzed outpatient visits listing OM as a diagnosis among AI/AN children <5 years of age from the Indian Health Service National Patient Information Reporting System for 2010-2013. OM outpatient visits for the general US child population <5 years of age were analyzed using the National Ambulatory Medical Care and National Hospital Ambulatory Care Surveys for 2010-2011.

RESULTS

The 2010-2011 OM-associated outpatient visit rate for AI/AN children (63.5 per 100/year) was similar to 2010-2011 rate for same-age children in the general US population (62.8) and decreased from the 2003 to 2005 AI/AN rate (91.4). Further decline in AI/AN OM visit rates was seen for 2010-2011 to 2012-2013 (P < 0.0001). The AI/AN infant OM visit rate (130.5) was 1.6-fold higher than the US infant population. For 2010-2011, the highest AI/AN OM visit rate for <5 year olds was from Alaska (135.0).

CONCLUSIONS

AI/AN <5-year-old OM visits declined by one third from 2003-2005 to 2010-2011 to a rate similar to the US general population <5 years. However, the AI/AN infant OM rate remained higher than the US infant population. The highest AI/AN <5-year-old OM rate occurred in Alaska.

The effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on incidence and microbiology associated with complicated acute otitis media

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of complicated acute otitis media (cAOM) as well as the associated microbiology before and after introduction of the 7- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV-7 and -13), respectively. CAOM comprises "heavy" AOM (AOM demanding hospitalization), mastodismus (M) and acute mastoiditis (AM).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of the incidence and microbiology associated with cAOM during the non-PCV era, the PCV-7 and 13 eras, respectively. Clinical and microbiological data were prospectively registered in a local database. The incidences of cAOM as well as the distribution of various bacterial strains in the three eras were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 246 cases of cAOM (125 in the pre-vaccine period (2001-2006), 50 in the PCV-7 period (2007-2010) and 71 in the PCV-13 period (2011-2015)) were identified. The incidence of hAOM decreased by 62% in the PCV7-era but increased to almost pre-vaccine levels in the PCV-13 era. In the M + AM group, a decrease by almost 21% in the PCV7-era was found compared to the pre vaccine era, whereas the decrease was only 12% in the PCV13-era. The three most common findings in both hAOM and M + AM were Streptococcus pneumonia (SP), group A streptococcus (GAS) and "no growth". In the hAOM group, SP decreased from 38% in the pre-vaccine era to 31% in the PCV7-era and further to 16% in the PCV13-era. GAS decreased from 17% in the pre-vaccine era to 0% in the PCV7-era and 16% in the PCV13-era. The percentage of "no growth" increased from 12% to 38% and 44%, respectively. In the M + AM group, SP decreased to 10% in the PCV13-era compared with 44% in the pre-vaccine era and 41% in the PCV7-era. An increase in GAS from 15% in the pre-vaccine era and PCV7-era to 30% in the PCV13-era was observed. The "no growth" percentage increased from 13% in the pre-vaccine era to 26% in the PCV7-era and 33% in the PCV13-era.

CONCLUSION

Introduction of PCV7 and PCV13 has been associated with an overall reduction of cAOM in Central Region Denmark. Pneumococci were still one of the two most common bacteria species related to cAOM though a decrease in pneumococci positive cases was observed. We found an increase in M + AM induced by GAS and a relatively large increase in "no growth", which might be caused by a more aggressive pre-hospital approach to treatment with antibiotics. Consequently, it is not evident whether the reduction of incidences is caused by the vaccines or a more aggressive antimicrobial attitude to manage AOM. The shift to GAS from SP is worrisome, and therefore continuous surveillance of the microbiology associated with AOM is warranted.

Impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on otitis media: A review of measurement and interpretation challenges

Acute otitis media (AOM) is among the most frequent childhood diseases and is caused by various bacterial and viral etiological agents. In this article, we provide an overview of published studies assessing the impact of higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on AOM. In some instances, reports of PCV impact on complications of AOM have been included. While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) allow for the most precise assessment of vaccine efficacy against AOM, observational studies provide answers to questions regarding the public health value of these vaccines in real-life settings. We discuss the challenges that arise when measuring PCV impact on AOM in observational studies: the local variability of viral and bacterial etiology, differences in case ascertainment, care-seeking behavior, standards of care and diagnosis of AOM (e.g. use of incisions), as well as declining baseline AOM incidence that can already be in place before PCV introduction, and how these factors can impact the results and their interpretation.

Trends in Antibiotic Use by Birth Season and Birth Year

OBJECTIVES

We examined 2 birth cohort effects on antibiotic prescribing during the first year of life (henceforth, infancy) in Denmark: (1) the birth season effect on timing and overall occurrence of antibiotic prescribing, and (2) the birth year effect amid emerging nationwide pneumococcal vaccination programs and changing prescribing guidelines.

METHODS

We linked data for all live births in Denmark from 2004 to 2012 (N = 561 729) across the National Health Service Prescription Database, Medical Birth Registry, and Civil Registration System. Across birth season and birth year cohorts, we estimated 1-year risk, rate, and burden of redeemed antibiotic prescriptions during infancy. We used interrupted time series methods to assess prescribing trends across birth year cohorts. Graphical displays of all birth cohort effect data are included.

RESULTS

The 1-year risk of having at least 1 redeemed antibiotic prescription during infancy was 39.5% (99% confidence interval [CI]: 39.3% to 39.6%). The hazard of a first prescription increased with age throughout infancy and varied by season; subsequently, Kaplan-Meier-derived risk functions varied by birth season cohort. After rollout of a first vaccination program and new antibiotic prescribing guidelines, 1-year risk decreased by 4.4% over 14 months (99% CI: 3.4% to 5.5%); it decreased again after rollout of a second vaccination program by 6.9% over 3 years (99% CI: 4.4% to 9.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

In Denmark, birth season and birth year cohort effects influenced timing and risk of antibiotic prescribing during infancy. Future studies of antibiotic stewardship, effectiveness, and safety in children should consider these cohort effects, which may render some children inherently more susceptible than others to downstream antibiotic effects.

Panel 1: Epidemiology and Diagnosis

Objective

To create a literature review between 2011 and June 1, 2015, on advances in otitis media (OM) epidemiology and diagnosis (including relevant audiology studies).

Data Sources

Electronic search engines (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) with a predefined search strategy.

Review Methods

Articles with appropriate epidemiologic methodology for OM, including acute mastoiditis and eustachian tube dysfunction. Items included OM worldwide and in high-risk populations, OM-related hearing loss, news in OM diagnostics, prenatal risk factors and comorbidities, postnatal risk factors, genetics, microbiological epidemiology, guidelines, and quality of life.

Conclusions

Diagnostic evidence and genetic studies are increasing; guidelines are introduced worldwide; and there is evidence of benefit of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. New risk factors and comordities are identified in the study period, and quality of life is affected in children and their families.

Implications for Practice

Chronic suppurative OM occurs worldwide and contributes to lifelong hearing loss. Uniform definitions are still lacking and should be provided. An association between HIV and chronic suppurative OM has been found. Tympanometry is recommended for diagnosis, with or without pneumatic otoscopy. Video otoscopy, algorithms, and validated questionnaires may assist clinicians. Childhood obesity is associated with OM. Heritability accounts for 20% to 50% of OM diagnoses. OM-prone children seem to produce weaker immunologic responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Clinicians tend to individualize treatment without adhering to guidelines.

Factors predicting antibiotic prescription and referral to hospital for children with respiratory symptoms: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled study at out-of-hours services in primary care

OBJECTIVES

Acute respiratory infections and fever among children are highly prevalent in primary care. It is challenging to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. Norway has a relatively low prescription rate of antibiotics, but it is still regarded as too high as the antimicrobial resistance is increasing. The aim of the study was to identify predictors for prescribing antibiotics or referral to hospital among children.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled study.

SETTING

4 out-of-hours services and 1 paediatric emergency clinic in Norwegian primary care.

PARTICIPANTS

401 children aged 0-6 years with respiratory symptoms and/or fever visiting the out-of-hours services.

OUTCOMES

2 main outcome variables were registered: antibiotic prescription and referral to hospital.

RESULTS

The total prescription rate of antibiotics was 23%, phenoxymethylpenicillin was used in 67% of the cases. Findings on ear examination (OR 4.62; 95% CI 2.35 to 9.10), parents' assessment that the child has a bacterial infection (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.17 to 5.13) and a C reactive protein (CRP) value >20 mg/L (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.43 to 8.83) were significantly associated with prescription of antibiotics. Vomiting in the past 24 hours was negatively associated with prescription (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.53). The main predictors significantly associated with referral to hospital were respiratory rate (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.12), oxygen saturation <95% (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.02 to 11.23), signs on auscultation (OR 5.57; 95% CI 1.96 to 15.84) and the parents' assessment before the consultation that the child needs hospitalisation (OR 414; 95% CI 26 to 6624).

CONCLUSIONS

CRP values >20 mg/L, findings on ear examination, use of paracetamol and no vomiting in the past 24 hours were significantly associated with antibiotic prescription. Affected respiration was a predictor for referral to hospital. The parents' assessment was also significantly associated with the outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02496559; Results.

Out-of-hours antibiotic prescription after screening with C reactive protein: a randomised controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of preconsultation C reactive protein (CRP) screening on antibiotic prescribing and referral to hospital in Norwegian primary care settings with low prevalence of serious infections.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled observational study at out-of-hours services in Norway.

SETTING

Primary care.

PARTICIPANTS

401 children (0-6 years) with fever and/or respiratory symptoms were recruited from 5 different out-of-hours services (including 1 paediatric emergency clinic) in 2013-2015.

INTERVENTION

Data were collected from questionnaires and clinical examination results. Every third child was randomised to a CRP test before the consultation; for the rest, the doctor ordered a CRP test if considered necessary.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcome variables were prescription of antibiotics and referral to hospital.

RESULTS

In the group pretested with CRP, the antibiotic prescription rate was 26%, compared with 22% in the control group. In the group pretested with CRP, 5% were admitted to hospital, compared with 9% in the control group. These differences were not statistically significant. The main predictors for ordering a CRP test were parents' assessment of seriousness of the illness and the child's temperature. Paediatricians ordered CRP tests less frequently than did other doctors (9% vs 56%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preconsultation screening with CRP of children presenting to out-of-hours services with fever and/or respiratory symptoms does not significantly affect the prescription of antibiotics or referral to hospital.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02496559; Results.

Epidemiology of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Hospitalizations and Associated Complications Before and After the Implementation of the Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Athens, Greece

We determined the rates of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)-associated hospitalizations and complications in Athens, over a period covering 4 years before and 4 years after the implementation of the 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) in Greece. PCV7 had no impact on pediatric CAP rates, whereas there was an increase in CAP-associated complications.

Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Universal Routine Vaccination on Pneumococcal Disease in Italian Children

In Italy, the effectiveness of pneumococcal universal vaccination in preventing vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in the PCV7/PCV13 shifting period was estimated to be 84.3% (95% CI: 84.0-84.6%) in children <5 years. This study aims at corroborating the estimation of both the effectiveness (VE) of PCVs and its impact in reducing pneumococcal diseases. A 1:3 matched-case-control study was conducted among children <5 years old hospitalized for IPD or pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) between 2006 and 2012 in the Puglia region. Moreover, hospitalizations for pneumococcal outcomes in the pre- and postvaccination period and the hospitalization risk ratios (HRRs) with 95% CIs were computed in Italy and in the first eight regions that introduced PCVs in 2006. The overall effectiveness of PCVs was 75% (95% CI: 61%-84%); it was 69% (95% CI: 30%-88%) against IPD and 77% (95% CI: 61%-87%) against PP. PCVs showed a significant impact on IPD and acute otitis media either at a national level or in those regions with a longer vaccination history, with a nearly 40% reduction of hospitalizations for both outcomes. Our findings provide further evidence of the effectiveness of PCVs against pneumococcal diseases and its impact on nasopharyngeal carriage in children <5 years, indicating the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage.

Parent-reported symptoms of acute otitis media during the first year of life: what is beneath the surface?

Background

Most estimates of the incidence of acute otitis media (AOM) are based on general practitioner (GP) or pediatrician diagnoses. It is likely that these figures underestimate the community incidence of AOM since parents do not visit their doctor every time their child suffers from acute ear symptoms. The impact of these symptom episodes may be substantial since they affect the child’s quality of life and parents’ productivity.

Methods

To determine AOM symptoms in the community, we measured parent-reported AOM symptoms daily for 12 consecutive months in 1,260 children participating in a prospective birth cohort in the Netherlands. The mean age of these children was at study enrollment 0.9 months (standard deviation 0.6). A parent-reported AOM symptom episode was defined as fever (temperature 38˚C or above) plus at least one of the following symptoms: ear pain and ear discharge. These febrile AOM symptom episodes were linked to GP-consultations and diagnoses in the GP electronic health records.

Results

With an estimated 624 parent-reported symptom episodes per 1,000 child-years (95% CI: 577 to 674) incidence of febrile AOM symptoms during the child’s first year is high. The GP was consulted in half of these symptom episodes and AOM was diagnosed in 49% of these consultations.

Conclusions and Relevance

The incidence of febrile AOM symptoms in the first year of life is high in Dutch children and leads to a GP-consultation in only half of the cases. This suggests that AOM symptomatology in the community is underestimated when focusing on GP-diagnosed AOM episodes alone, since a considerable proportion of febrile AOM symptom episodes are treated symptomatically by parents at home and do not come to the attention of the GP. Having data on community AOM symptomatology available for each country is important when the potential impact of preventive and therapeutic interventions for AOM are studied.

Changing trends of acute otitis media bacteriology in central Israel in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines era

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has changed acute otitis media (AOM) bacteriology. Only scattered data with regard to this effect of PCV13 have been published so far.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified children <6 years of age who presented to our hospital with AOM, and had middle ear fluid (MEF) cultures obtained during tympanocentesis or from spontaneous otorrhea during 2008-2013, when PCV7 (2009) and PCV13 (2010) were gradually introduced in the Israeli National Immunization Program. Data were extracted for demographics, clinical and microbiologic parameters, according to vaccination status.

RESULTS

Of the 295 eligible AOM episodes reported in 279 children, 224 (76%) had MEF cultures from tympanocentesis and 71 (24%) from spontaneous otorrhea. Boys and children <2 years of age contributed 178 (60%) and 219 (74%) AOM episodes, respectively. Acute mastoiditis complicated 58 (20%) of these episodes. None of the children were PCV immunized in 2008, but >90% had received ≥1 PCV dose(s) by 2011 or later. Of the 106 (36%) MEF cultures which tested positive for otopathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and multiple bacteria grew in 60 (57%), 39 (37%), 2 (2%) and 5 (5%) episodes, respectively. S. pneumonia-positive MEF culture rate in unimmunized children (31, 69%) was significantly higher than in PCV7-immunized children (22, 59%) or PCV13-immunized children (12, 50%), P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PCV7 and PCV13 implementations in the Israeli National Immunization Program were associated with a rapid reduction of "severe" pneumococcal AOM episodes.

Sinusitis and pneumonia hospitalization after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia and sinusitis. Pneumonia kills >1 million children annually, and sinusitis is a potentially serious pediatric disease that increases the risk of orbital and intracranial complications. Although pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is effective against invasive pneumococcal disease, its effectiveness against pneumonia is less consistent, and its effect on sinusitis is not known. We compared hospitalization rates due to sinusitis, pneumonia, and empyema before and after sequential introduction of PCV7 and PCV13.

METHOD

All children 0 to <18 years old hospitalized for sinusitis, pneumonia, or empyema in Stockholm County, Sweden, from 2003 to 2012 were included in a population-based study of hospital registry data on hospitalizations due to sinusitis, pneumonia, or empyema. Trend analysis, incidence rates, and rate ratios (RRs) were calculated comparing July 2003 to June 2007 with July 2008 to June 2012, excluding the year of PCV7 introduction.

RESULTS

Hospitalizations for sinusitis decreased significantly in children aged 0 to <2 years, from 70 to 24 cases per 100 000 population (RR = 0.34, P < .001). Hospitalizations for pneumonia decreased significantly in children aged 0 to <2 years, from 450 to 366 per 100 000 population (RR = 0.81, P < .001) and in those aged 2 to <5 years from 250 to 212 per 100 000 population (RR = 0.85, P = .002). Hospitalization for empyema increased nonsignificantly. Trend analyses showed increasing hospitalization for pneumonia in children 0 to <2 years before intervention and confirmed a decrease in hospitalizations for sinusitis and pneumonia in children aged 0 to <5 years after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

PCV7 and PCV13 vaccination led to a 66% lower risk of hospitalization for sinusitis and 19% lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in children aged 0 to <2 years, in a comparison of 4 years before and 4 years after vaccine introduction.

Impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on the incidence of pneumonia in hospitalized children after five years of its introduction in Uruguay

BACKGROUND

Data on the burden of pneumococcal disease and the most frequent serotypes demonstrated that invasive disease and pneumonia were important manifestations affecting children under 5 years of age. Therefore, pneumococcal diseases prevention became a public health priority. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to incorporate PCV7 into its National Immunization Program. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence rates for hospitalized pneumonia in children from the pre PCV introduction period and the following five years of PCVs application in Uruguay.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Population-based surveillance of pneumonia hospitalization rates, in children, less than 14 years of age, had been performed prior pneumococcal vaccination, and continued following PCV7 introduction and PCV13 replacement, using the same methodology. Hospitalized children with pneumonia were enrolled from January 1, 2009 through December 31st, 2012. The study was carried out in an area with a population of 238,002 inhabitants of whom 18, 055 were under five years of age. Patients with acute lower respiratory infections for whom a chest radiograph was performed on admission were eligible. Digitalized radiographs were interpreted by a reference radiologist, using WHO criteria. Pneumonia was confirmed in 2,697 patients, 1,267 with consolidated and 1,430 with non consolidated pneumonia of which incidence decrease, between 2009 and 2012, was 27.3% and 46.4% respectively. 2001-2004 and 2009-2012 comparison showed a significant difference of 20.4% for consolidated pneumonia hospitalizations. A significant incidence decline was recorded among children 6 to 35 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

An overall significant reduction in pneumonia hospitalizations was observed following the introduction of PCV7 and furthermore following the change to PCV13.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for preventing otitis media

BACKGROUND

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a very common respiratory infection in early infancy and childhood. The marginal benefits of antibiotics for AOM in low-risk populations in general, the increasing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the huge estimated direct and indirect annual costs associated with otitis media (OM) have prompted a search for effective vaccines to prevent AOM.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in preventing AOM in children up to 12 years of age.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (2013, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1995 to November week 3, 2013), EMBASE (1995 to December 2013), CINAHL (2007 to December 2013), LILACS (2007 to December 2013) and Web of Science (2007 to December 2013).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of PCVs to prevent AOM in children aged 12 years or younger, with a follow-up of at least six months after vaccination.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 11 publications of nine RCTs (n = 48,426 children, range 74 to 37,868 per study) of 7- to 11-valent PCV (with different carrier proteins). Five trials (n = 47,108) included infants, while four trials (n = 1318) included children aged one to seven years that were either healthy (one study, n = 264) or had a previous history of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), including AOM. We judged the methodological quality of the included studies to be moderate to high. There was considerable clinical diversity between studies in terms of study population, type of conjugate vaccine and outcome measures. We therefore refrained from pooling the results.In three studies, the 7-valent PCV with CRM197 as carrier protein (CRM197-PCV7) administered during early infancy was associated with a relative risk reduction (RRR) of all-cause AOM ranging from -5% in high-risk children (95% confidence interval (CI) -25% to 12%) to 7% in low-risk children (95% CI 4% to 9%). Another 7-valent PCV with the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) serogroup B as carrier protein, administered in infancy, did not reduce overall AOM episodes, while a precursor 11-valent PCV with Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) protein D as carrier protein was associated with a RRR of all-cause AOM episodes of 34% (95% CI 21% to 44%).A 9-valent PCV (with CRM197 carrier protein) administered in healthy toddlers was associated with a RRR of (parent-reported) OM episodes of 17% (95% CI -2% to 33%). CRM197-PCV7 followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination administered after infancy in older children with a history of AOM showed no beneficial effect on first occurrence and later AOM episodes. In a study in older children with a previously diagnosed respiratory tract infection, performed during the influenza season, a trivalent influenza vaccine combined with placebo (TIV/placebo) led to fewer all-cause AOM episodes than vaccination with TIV and PCV7 (TIV/PCV7) when compared to hepatitis B vaccination and placebo (HBV/placebo) (RRR 71%, 95% CI 30% to 88% versus RRR 57%, 95% CI 6% to 80%, respectively) indicating that CRM197-PCV7 after infancy may even have negative effects on AOM.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on current evidence of the effects of PCVs for preventing AOM, the licensed 7-valent CRM197-PCV7 has modest beneficial effects in healthy infants with a low baseline risk of AOM. Administering PCV7 in high-risk infants, after early infancy and in older children with a history of AOM, appears to have no benefit in preventing further episodes. Currently, several RCTs with different (newly licensed, multivalent) PCVs administered during early infancy are ongoing to establish their effects on AOM. Results of these studies may provide a better understanding of the role of the newly licensed, multivalent PCVs in preventing AOM. Also the impact on AOM of the carrier protein D, as used in certain pneumococcal vaccines, needs to be further established.

Characteristics of invasive pneumococcal disease in hospitalized children in Austria

In a prospective surveillance study covering all pediatric wards in Austria, 308 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) were reported in hospitalized children <5 years of age between 2002 and 2012. Incidence was 7.1 per 100,000 per year for IPD with a case fatality rate of 3 %, and 1.9 per 100,000 per year for pneumococcal meningitis with a case fatality rate of 9 %. At hospital discharge, 17 % of the children were not fully recovered and suffered from problems such as hearing or motor deficits. Persistent sequelae 6 months after hospital discharge were present in 13 % of the children, a finding that emphasizes the seriousness of IPD. From 2007 onwards, we observed a shift of pneumococcal serotypes from those covered by the heptavalent vaccine to serotypes consequently added to 10- and 13-valent vaccines, particularly regarding serotype 19A. Among antimicrobial resistances detected, macrolide resistance was predominant; however, between 2002 and 2012, we saw an overall decrease of resistance rates.

CONCLUSION

Considering this change of serotypes and the high rate of permanent sequelae after IPD, our data show the importance of pediatric pneumococcal vaccination and the relevance of continuous monitoring of circulating serotypes. By the end of 2012, which was the first year of universal mass vaccination against pneumococcal disease in Austria, no change in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease was observed yet.