Office-Related Antibiotic Prescribing for Persons Aged [Less-Than or Equal To]14 Years-United States, 1993-1994 to 2007-2008

McCaig et al analyze data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the period 1993-1994 to 2007-2008 to examine trends in pediatric antibiotic prescribing in physician offices. Results show that antibiotic prescribing rates for persons aged ≤14 years who had visited physician offices decreased 24% from 300 antibiotic courses per 1,000 office visits in 1993-1994 to 229 antibiotic courses per 1,000 office visits in 2007-2008. Among the five acute respiratory infections examined, antibiotic prescribing rates decreased 26% for pharyngitis and 19% for nonspecific upper respiratory infection (common cold); prescribing rates for otitis media, bronchitis, and sinusitis did not change significantly. Although the overall antibiotic prescribing rate for persons aged ≤14 years has decreased, the rate remains inappropriately high. A CDC editorial note is included.