Antibiotic Duration (Short vs Standard) for Uncomplicated Paediatric Pneumonia:  A Systematic Meta-Analysis.

Dr. Mohammad Amir   Ali; Richa  Raj; Nagendra  Nath; Bechan  Yadav

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2487

Authors

Dr. Mohammad Amir Ali Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric, Esic Medical College & Hospital,Bihta, Patna,India
Richa Raj Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric, Esic Medical College & Hospital,Bihta, Patna, India
Nagendra Nath Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric, Esic Medical College & Hospital,Bihta, Patna,India.
Bechan Yadav HOD, Department of Paediatric, Esic Medical College & Hospital,Bihta, Patna,India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2487

Keywords:

Pneumonia, antibiotic, standard-duration therapy, clinical cure, meta-analysis

Abstract

Background:

The ideal length of time to take antibiotics for juvenile pneumonia that is not complex is still up for dispute. Antimicrobial resistance and side effects may be lessened by short-term treatment.

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of short-term (≤5 days) versus long-term (7–10 days) antibiotic treatment for pediatric pneumonia that is not complex.

Methods:

Using electronic databases, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials from 2000 to 2025 was carried out. Clinical cure is the main result. Secondary outcomes include antibiotic exposure, adverse events, recurrence, and treatment failure.

Results:

There were twelve RCTs with a total of 4,632 children. Short-course and standard-course pooled clinical cure rates were 92.4% and 93.1%, respectively (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97–1.02; p=0.68). There was no significant difference in treatment failure (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.88–1.21). Adverse events decreased by 18% and overall antibiotic exposure by 40% with short-course treatment.

Conclusion:

For uncomplicated pediatric pneumonia, short-course (3–5 days) antibiotic therapy is not inferior to standard-duration therapy and may enhance antimicrobial stewardship.

Implications for future research:

Further large-scale, multicentric trials including younger infants, hospitalized patients, and low-resource settings are needed to strengthen generalizability and guide global treatment guidelines.

Author Biography

Dr. Mohammad Amir Ali, Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric, Esic Medical College & Hospital,Bihta, Patna,India

is a Senior Resident in Pediatrics with research interests in infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.

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