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An association between recurrent otitis media in infancy and later hyperactivity
Insights
Frequent childhood ear infections (otitis media) correlate with later hyperactivity. This study found a strong link between the number of infections and the severity of hyperactive behaviors in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis media is a common childhood illness.
- Hyperactivity and school failure are significant developmental concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early childhood otitis media frequency and later hyperactivity.
- To explore the relationship between otitis media infections and the severity of hyperactive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 67 children (6-13 years) evaluated for school failure.
- Assessment of otitis media history and hyperactivity by multiple raters.
- Comparison of infection rates between hyperactive and non-hyperactive children.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between the number of otitis media infections and hyperactivity.
- 94% of medicated hyperactive children had ≥3 infections; 69% had >10.
- 79% of children with >10 infections experienced recurrent otitis before age 1.
Conclusions:
- Early childhood otitis media may be a significant risk factor for developing hyperactivity.
- The frequency and severity of otitis media infections correlate with hyperactivity presence and intensity.
- Further research into the otitis media-hyperactivity link is warranted.
Abstract:
An association between the frequency of otitis media in early childhood and later hyperactivity is reported in this study. The subjects were 67 children referred to a child development clinic for evaluation of school failure. Ranging from 6 to 13 years old, all the children demonstrated specific school learning problems, and 27 were also considered hyperactive by two or more raters. Sixteen of the hyperactive children were treated with central nervous system stimulant medication. In retrospect, there was positive correlation between an increasing number of otitis media infections in early childhood and the presence and severity of hyperactive behavior. Ninety-four percent of children medicated for hyperactivity had three or more otitis infections, and 69 percent had greater than 10 infections. In comparison, 50 percent of non-hyperactive school-failure patients had three or more infections and 20 percent had greater than 10 infections. Twenty-two of 28 children (79%) known to have more than 10 infections experienced recurrent otitis before 1 year of age.