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Prophylaxis of otitis media in asthmatic children
Insights
This study found that combining sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduced recurrent otitis media and asthma attacks in children. This combination therapy offers a promising approach for managing these conditions in asthmatic children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Allergy & Immunology
Background:
- Recurrent otitis media is a common issue in children with asthma.
- Effective management strategies for this dual condition are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens for recurrent otitis media in asthmatic children.
- To assess the impact of sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal immunization on otitis media and asthma exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year study involving 72 asthmatic children with recurrent otitis media.
- Randomized groups received: no medication, antihistamines, sulfisoxazole, pneumococcal vaccine, or a combination of sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal vaccine.
Main Results:
- Antihistamines showed no benefit.
- Sulfisoxazole alone reduced otitis media by 75% annually.
- Pneumococcal vaccine reduced otitis media by 38% annually.
- The combination of sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal vaccine reduced otitis media by 90% annually.
- This combination also led to a 56% reduction in asthma attacks and a 90% decrease in otitis media-related hospitalizations.
Conclusions:
- Sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal vaccine combination therapy is highly effective for managing recurrent otitis media in asthmatic children.
- This combined approach significantly reduces otitis media episodes, asthma exacerbations, and hospitalizations.
Abstract:
Seventy-two asthmatic children with recurrent otitis media were studied over a 2-year interval. They were randomly divided to receive either (1) no routine medication, (2) antihistamines whenever nasally congested, (3) daily sulfisoxazole at 500 mg twice a day, (4) pneumococcal immunization and (5) both pneumococcal vaccine and 500 mg sulfisoxazole twice daily. There was no apparent benefit in the antihistamine group. There was a mean yearly reduction in otitis media of 75% in the sulfisoxazole group, 38% in the pneumococcal vaccine group and 90% in the group treated with both agents. The latter group also had a 56% reduction in frequency of acute asthmatic attacks and a 90% decrease in hospitalizations associated with otitis media. In conclusion the use of sulfisoxazole and pneumococcal vaccine appears efficacious for management of asthmatic children with recurrent otitis media.