EFFECTIVENESS OF LONG-TERM ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IN EXUDATIVE OTITIS MEDIA

Abstract. Otitis media (OM) remains a significant health issue, particularly in Central Asia and Russia, where access to healthcare is limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of long-term antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin) versus placebo in treating exudative otitis media (EOM) and assess the colonization by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Conducted at Samarkand State Medical University, the study involved 100 children under 12 months old. Participants were randomized to receive either amoxicillin or placebo for up to 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the restoration of normal middle ear aeration, confirmed by tympanometry. Results showed fewer tympanic membrane perforations and a higher success rate in the amoxicillin group. Pathogen carriage was reduced in the antibiotic group without a significant increase in resistant strains. Prolonged antibiotic therapy may benefit high-risk children in regions with limited healthcare access. Keywords: Otitis media, exudative otitis, antibiotic therapy, amoxicillin, pathogen colonization,pediatric, healthcare access.