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The relationship between otitis media and intrauterine growth: a co-twin control study
K J Kvaerner1, K Tambs, J R Harris
1Division of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Lower birth weight and shorter gestational age are linked to recurrent ear infections in children. This twin study confirms low birth weight as a significant risk factor for otitis media (OM).
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Recurrent ear infections, or otitis media (OM), are common in childhood.
- Intrauterine growth, including birth weight and gestational age, may influence OM risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intrauterine growth parameters and the incidence of recurrent otitis media.
- To assess the role of birth weight as a risk factor for OM using a co-twin control design.
Main Methods:
- A population-based sample of 7992 Norwegian twins was analyzed.
- Perinatal data from the Medical Birth Registry and self-reported OM history (ages 18-25) were used.
- Co-twin control analysis was applied to MZ and DZ twin pairs, focusing on OM-discordant pairs.
Main Results:
- Individuals with a history of OM had significantly lower birth weight (86g difference) and shorter gestational age (3 days) compared to controls.
- In OM-discordant twin pairs, the twin with OM weighed significantly less (48g difference) than their unaffected co-twin.
Conclusions:
- Lower birth weight is identified as a potential risk factor for developing otitis media.
- Gestational age may also play a role in the occurrence of recurrent ear infections.