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Atopy in children with otitis media with effusion
C Caffarelli1, E Savini, S Giordano
1Paediatric Department, University of Parma, Italy.
Insights
Atopy symptoms are more common in children with otitis media with effusion (OME), but skin-prick tests show no difference. Allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema in children warrant OME investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Prevalence of atopy in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) is debated.
- Determining the need for atopy screening in OME patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between OME and atopy in children.
Main Methods:
- 172 children with OME and 200 controls were evaluated.
- Methods included a questionnaire, skin-prick tests, and clinical assessment for allergic symptoms.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in family history of atopy or skin-prick test results between groups.
- Symptoms associated with atopy were more frequent in the OME group (P<0.001).
- Only allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema showed a significant association with OME.
Conclusions:
- Positive skin-prick test results are not more common in children with OME.
- Concomitant atopy symptoms may contribute to OME pathogenesis.
- Children with allergic rhinitis or atopic eczema require tympanometry for OME screening.
Background:
Contrasting data have been found on the prevalence of atopy in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). A major issue would be to determine whether screening for atopy should be recommended. Setting Centre for Study of Otitis Media with Effusion, Tabiano Terme, Parma, Italy.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of OME to atopy.
Methods:
The subjects were 172 children with OME and a control group of 200 children. The protocol included a questionnaire survey of diseases associated with atopy, a skin-prick test and a clinical evaluation of allergic symptoms and hypersensitivity to aeroallergens.
Results:
No significant difference between patients and control group was observed for family history of atopy or positive skin-prick test reactions. Symptoms associated with atopy occurred significantly more frequently in the group with OME (P<0.001), though only the presence of rhinitis or atopic eczema was significantly associated with OME.
Conclusions:
Prevalence of positive skin-prick tests results is not enhanced in children with OME. Nevertheless, the association of OME with symptoms associated with atopy suggests that such concomitant diseases may play a part in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Children with allergic rhinitis or atopic eczema should be investigated by tympanometry for OME.