Modification of recurrent otitis media by short-term sulfonamide therapy

Alternating cases of upper respiratory infection (URI) occurring within two months of an episode of otitis media were treated with either sulfonamides or decongestants. One hundred three cases of uncomplicated URI were treated with sulfonamide and 98 with decongestant. When adjusted for possible recrudescence rather than recurrence the rate was 4/71 (5.6%) and 15/76 (20%) in the treated and control groups, respectively. This difference is significant (P less than .001) and suggests that intermittent prophylactic treatment can modify the recurrence rate of otitis media in children.