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. 2021 Feb 4;2021(2):CD013052. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013052.pub2

Comparison 3. Systemic antibiotics versus no treatment/placebo (both study arms had topical antibiotics plus steroids).

Outcome or subgroup title No. of studies No. of participants Statistical method Effect size
3.1 Resolution of ear discharge (after 4 weeks) 2   Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI) Subtotals only
3.1.1 Metronidazole plus gentamicin‐steroid drops compared to gentamicin‐steroid alone 1 30 Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI) 0.91 [0.51, 1.65]
3.1.2 Cotrimoxazole for 6 weeks: 6 week follow‐up 1 98 Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI) 1.54 [1.09, 2.16]
3.2 Serious complications 1 101 Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI) 1.02 [0.07, 15.86]
3.2.1 Mastoid abscess (follow‐up: 12 weeks) 1 101 Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI) 1.02 [0.07, 15.86]