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The prevalence of atopic disorders in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

R Alles1, A Parikh, L Hawk

  • 1Glue Ear Clinic, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, London, UK.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|May 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study found a very high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (89%) in children with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). These findings suggest a potential link between allergy and OME, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children.
  • Atopic diseases are frequently associated with respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of atopic disease in children with chronic or recurrent OME.
  • To explore potential links between atopy and OME.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 209 children with OME was assessed for atopic status.
  • Methods included medical history, physical examination, nasal smears, skin-prick testing (SPT), blood eosinophil counts, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Main Results:

  • Allergic rhinitis was present in 89% of children.
  • Asthma was diagnosed in 36%, and eczema in 24%.
  • Positive SPTs to common aeroallergens were found in 57%; 40% had eosinophilia and 28% had elevated IgE levels.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with OME suggests a potential causal relationship.
  • Further population studies are needed to confirm these findings.
  • These results may have significant therapeutic implications for managing OME.

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