Key Action Statement Profile: KAS 3C
| Aggregate evidence quality | Grade B |
| Benefits | Moderately increased likelihood of more rapid resolution of symptoms with initial antibiotics. Moderately increased likelihood of resolution of AOM with initial antibiotics. |
| Risks, harms, cost | Adverse events attributable to antibiotics, such as diarrhea, diaper dermatitis, and allergic reactions. Overuse of antibiotics leads to increased bacterial resistance. Cost of antibiotics. |
| Benefits-harms assessment | Moderate degree of benefit over harm. |
| Value judgments | Observation becomes an alternative as the benefits and harms approach balance. |
| Role of patient preference | Joint decision-making with the family is essential before choosing observation. |
| Intentional vagueness | Joint decision-making is highly variable from family to family |
| Exclusions | None |
| Strength | Recommendation |
| Note | In the judgment of 1 Subcommittee member (AH), antimicrobial treatment of these children is preferred because of a preponderance of benefit over harm. AH did not endorse Key Action Statement 3C |
| Aggregate evidence quality | Grade B |
| Benefits | Moderately increased likelihood of more rapid resolution of symptoms with initial antibiotics. Moderately increased likelihood of resolution of AOM with initial antibiotics. |
| Risks, harms, cost | Adverse events attributable to antibiotics, such as diarrhea, diaper dermatitis, and allergic reactions. Overuse of antibiotics leads to increased bacterial resistance. Cost of antibiotics. |
| Benefits-harms assessment | Moderate degree of benefit over harm. |
| Value judgments | Observation becomes an alternative as the benefits and harms approach balance. |
| Role of patient preference | Joint decision-making with the family is essential before choosing observation. |
| Intentional vagueness | Joint decision-making is highly variable from family to family |
| Exclusions | None |
| Strength | Recommendation |
| Note | In the judgment of 1 Subcommittee member (AH), antimicrobial treatment of these children is preferred because of a preponderance of benefit over harm. AH did not endorse Key Action Statement 3C |