Abstract |
To determine whether antimicrobial therapy is of value in the treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion ( secretory otitis media), we treated 1,429 4- to 8-year-old children--2224 affected ears--with a fixed regimen of an antibiotic mixture ( Pediazole) for 10 days and a decongestant (Novafed) for 30 days. We observed the children monthly to determine the rate of clearance. Validity of diagnosis was greater than 90% with an algorithm of pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry. Medication compliance was not measured. At 1 month, 45% of the children (48% of the ears) had cleared and at 2 months, 60% of the children (63% of the ears) had cleared. Factors such as sex and prior treatment in the preceding 3 months were no different in the cured vs. the uncured groups. Age significantly influenced the cure rate (P less than 0.0001); the older the child, the higher the clearance rate. Tympanograms type 5, 8, and 12-14 were significantly more prevalent in the uncleared group (P = 0.0001). The clear rate for unilateral cases was 76% and for bilateral cases, 47% (P less than 0.0001). Children with chronic otitis media with effusion are most likely to be cured by medical therapy/time if they are older, have unilateral disease, or a peaked tympanogram. Surgery should be withheld in these children for 2 or more months to permit the highest rate of spontaneous resolution.
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Authors | G A Gates, C Wachtendorf, G R Holt, E M Hearne |
Journal | Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
(Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg)
Vol. 94
Issue 3
Pg. 350-4
(Mar 1986)
ISSN: 0194-5998 [Print] England |
PMID | 2421222
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Infective Agents
- Drug Combinations
- Nasal Decongestants
- Erythromycin
- Sulfisoxazole
- MK 0641
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Topics |
- Age Factors
- Anti-Infective Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Chronic Disease
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Combinations
(therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Erythromycin
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Nasal Decongestants
(therapeutic use)
- Otitis Media with Effusion
(drug therapy)
- Seasons
- Sulfisoxazole
(therapeutic use)
- Time Factors
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