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Risk factors for otitis media with effusion in children 0 to 2 years of age
M L Sassen1, H Brand, J J Grote
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands.
Insights
Having older siblings is a significant risk factor for otitis media with effusion in young children. This factor, along with previous ear infections and URTI, increases the likelihood of developing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common condition in young children.
- Identifying risk factors for OME is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential risk factors associated with the development of otitis media with effusion.
- To determine the most significant predictors of OME in children up to 24 months of age.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 289 children from birth to 24 months.
- Children were enrolled during routine healthcare visits at three centers.
- Data collected included medical history, family history, and occurrence of OME and URTI.
Main Results:
- Having older siblings emerged as the most significant risk factor for OME occurrence and probability.
- Other identified risk factors included prior acute otitis media, younger age, positive family history of OME, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
Conclusions:
- The presence of older siblings is the primary risk factor for developing otitis media with effusion in the studied age group.
- Early identification of these risk factors can aid in targeted interventions and management strategies for OME.
Purpose:
To determine the possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of otitis media with effusion.
Patients And Methods:
Two hundred eighty-nine children born between July 1987 and October 1988 were studied up to the age of 24 months. The enrollment of the children took place during their regular check-up visits at three different health-care centers.
Results:
Having older sibling was the most important risk factor, for both the time elapsed until the first occurrence and for the probability of otitis media with effusion at each visit. Other significant risk factors for the probability at each visit were: having had acute otitis media before the visit or before the previous visit, age, a positive family history of otitis media, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
Conclusion:
Having older siblings is the most important risk factor for otitis media with effusion in this age group.