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Recurrent acute otitis media: the significance of age at onset
K J Kvaerner1, P Nafstad, J A Hagen
1Section of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Insights
Children experiencing their first ear infection before 9 months are at higher risk for recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM). Gender and family history of atopy also increase the likelihood of developing rAOM by age two.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) is a common childhood condition.
- Early identification of risk factors for rAOM is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the age of the first acute otitis media (AOM) episode and the development of rAOM.
- To identify other potential risk factors for rAOM in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 3754 Norwegian children from birth to 2 years.
- rAOM defined as four or more AOM episodes in a 12-month period.
- Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- 5.4% of children experienced rAOM before age two.
- First AOM episode before 9 months significantly increased rAOM risk (one-quarter developed rAOM).
- Male gender and familial history of atopy were significantly associated with rAOM.
Conclusions:
- Age at first AOM episode is associated with subsequent otitis proneness.
- Gender and family history of atopy are potential predisposing factors for rAOM.
- Early AOM onset may indicate a higher risk for recurrent infections.
Abstract:
In order to assess the relationship between recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) and age at first acute otitis media (AOM) episode, a prospective cohort of 3754 Norwegian children born in 1992-1993 was followed from birth to 2 years. Recurrent acute otitis media was defined by the criterion of four or more episodes of AOM during a 12-month period. Approximately 5.4% of the children experienced rAOM before the age of 2. Furthermore, children whose first AOM episode occurred before the age of 9 months were at a significantly higher risk for developing rAOM compared to children whose first AOM episode was 10-12 months. In children who had the first ear infection during the first 9 months of life, one-quarter developed rAOM before the age of 2. Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding showed that gender and a familial history of atopy were significantly associated with rAOM. In conclusion, the present study found an association between age at first AOM episode and the later subsequent AOM proneness. Additionally, both gender and a family history of atopy seemed to predispose towards otitis-proneness.