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Published on: January 23, 2017
Prospective surveillance for otitis media with effusion among black infants in group child care
S A Zeisel1, J E Roberts, E B Gunn
1Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-8180, USA.
Insights
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in Black infants in group childcare, with most cases resolving by age two. This study tracked OME prevalence and resolution in 102 Black children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood condition.
- Understanding OME prevalence in specific populations is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in 102 Black children aged 6 to 24 months.
- To assess the duration and spontaneous resolution of OME in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 102 Black children in group childcare facilities.
- Regular assessment of middle ear status via pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry every two weeks.
Main Results:
- Nearly all children experienced OME, with bilateral OME prevalence peaking at 76% between 6-12 months.
- Purulent OME was infrequent (13% of effusions).
- Most persistent OME resolved spontaneously by age two.
Conclusions:
- Persistent bilateral OME is common in Black infants in group childcare.
- Spontaneous resolution of OME by age two is typical, even after prolonged periods.
Objective:
To document the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in 102 black children observed prospectively between 6 and 24 months of age.
Methods:
Study children attended nine different center-based child care facilities. Middle ear status was assessed by pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry every 2 weeks.
Results:
All children, except one, had OME during the period of observation. The proportion of child-examinations revealing bilateral OME ranged from 76% between 6 and 12 months of age to 30% between 21 and 24 months of age. Effusions were considered purulent in only 13% of examinations revealing middle ear fluid. The mean incidence of purulent OME was 2.13 episodes per child per year. Sixty-six children had at least 4 months of continuous bilateral OME during the period of observation; 57 were followed without placement of tympanostomy tubes. Bilateral OME had resolved before the second birthday in 95% of these children, and within 3 months of achieving the 4-month criterion in 50% of subjects.
Conclusions:
Persistent bilateral OME occurs commonly between 6 and 18 months of age in infants who enter group child care during the first year of life. In this study, spontaneous resolution of bilateral effusion by 2 years of age was typical.
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