RESULTS: A total of 2767 children with
severe acute malnutrition were enrolled. In the
amoxicillin,
cefdinir, and placebo groups, 88.7%, 90.9%, and 85.1% of the children recovered, respectively (relative risk of treatment failure with placebo vs.
amoxicillin, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.68; relative risk with placebo vs.
cefdinir, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.11). The mortality rates for the three groups were 4.8%, 4.1%, and 7.4%, respectively (relative risk of death with placebo vs.
amoxicillin, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.24; relative risk with placebo vs.
cefdinir, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.64). Among children who recovered, the rate of
weight gain was increased among those who received
antibiotics. No interaction between type of
severe acute malnutrition and intervention group was observed for either the rate of nutritional recovery or the mortality rate.
CONCLUSIONS: The addition of
antibiotics to therapeutic regimens for uncomplicated
severe acute malnutrition was associated with a significant improvement in recovery and mortality rates. (Funded by the Hickey Family Foundation and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01000298.).