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Otitis media and associations with overweight status in toddlers

H M Nelson1, K A Daly, C S Davey

  • 1University of Minnesota, Department of Otolaryngology, MMC 396, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. nels1226@umn.edu

Physiology & Behavior
|January 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent otitis media (OM) treated with tympanostomy tubes is linked to a higher risk of childhood overweight. This study highlights a significant association between ear infections requiring tubes and increased weight-for-length in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood illness with potential links to later overweight status.
  • Childhood overweight is a growing epidemic, necessitating research into contributing factors.
  • Previous studies suggest physiological mechanisms connecting OM history, food preferences, and overweight development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between recurrent otitis media (ROM) or tympanostomy tube treatment and overweight status in children.
  • To explore potential risk factors for childhood overweight related to ear infection history.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a prospective cohort of mothers and children (1991-1996).
  • Categorical analysis of ROM and tympanostomy tube status using weight-for-length (WFL) data from well-child visits.
  • Univariate and multivariate analyses utilizing chi-square and logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • 11.4% of children exhibited a weight-for-length (WFL) at two years of age at or above the 95th percentile.
  • Children with a history of tympanostomy tube treatment showed a significantly elevated risk (OR 3.32) of WFL ≥ 95th percentile, even after controlling for covariates.
  • No significant association was found between WFL at two months and the number of OM episodes by two years.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the hypothesis that OM requiring tympanostomy tube treatment is associated with overweight status in children.
  • The study reinforces prior research linking ear infections and subsequent weight issues.
  • Tympanostomy tube treatment for OM may be a marker for increased risk of childhood overweight.
Abstract

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