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A cross-sectional analysis of otitis media with effusion in children with Down syndrome
M Maris1, M Wojciechowski, P Van de Heyning
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium, mieke.maris@gmail.com.
Insights
Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a high prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME), particularly around ages 1 and 6-7 years. Bilateral OME is associated with mild to moderate hearing loss in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Audiology
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome (DS) are susceptible to otitis media with effusion (OME).
- OME can lead to hearing impairment, impacting development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of OME in children with Down syndrome.
- To assess the relationship between OME and hearing thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and cross-sectional analysis of 107 children with Down syndrome.
- Clinical and audiometric data were collected for age categories from 6 months to 12 years.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of OME was observed, with peaks at 1 year (66.7%) and 6-7 years (60%).
- Overall, 52.3% of children with DS had OME or ventilation tubes.
- Bilateral OME was associated with significantly higher hearing thresholds (median 36.7 dB HL) compared to normally ventilated ears (median 28.3 dB HL).
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome exhibit a high prevalence of OME, with distinct peaks in early childhood and pre-adolescence.
- A declining trend in OME prevalence was noted in children aged 8 years and older.
- Mild to moderate hearing loss is linked to bilateral OME in this population.
Unlabelled:
Children with Down syndrome are at risk to develop otitis media with effusion (OME). We performed a retrospective and cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the prevalence of OME in children with Down syndrome (DS) for consecutive age categories between 6 months and 12 years. Clinical and audiometric data were available for 107 children followed in a multidisciplinary Down team. A high prevalence of OME was found at the age of 1 year (66.7 %), with a second peak prevalence of 60 % at 6-7 years. A declining trend was observed in children ≥8 years. Overall, 52.3 % of DS children had either OME or ventilation tubes at the time of evaluation. Hearing thresholds were significantly higher in children with bilateral OME (median 36.7 decibel hearing level (dB HL), range 26.7-46.1) compared to those with at least one normally ventilated middle ear (median 28.3 dB HL, range 22.8-3.3), p = 0.013.
Conclusion:
We found a high prevalence of OME in children with Down syndrome, with a peak of ≥60 % around 1 and 6-7 years. A declining trend is seen in older children. Mild to moderate hearing loss was present in children with bilateral OME.
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