Ear infection: a retrospective study examining improvement from chiropractic care and analyzing for influencing factors.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to determine (a) if the patients improved while under chiropractic care; (b) how many treatments were needed to reach improvement; and (c) which factors were associated with early improvement.


METHODS
Cohort, nonrandomized retrospective study.


METHODS
Private chiropractic practice in a Minneapolis suburb.


METHODS
Forty-six children aged 5 yr and under.


METHODS
All treatments were done by a single chiropractor, who adjusted the subluxations found and paid particular attention to the cervical vertebrae and occiput. Sacral Occipital Technique-style pelvic blocking and the doctor's own modified applied kinesiology were also used. Typical treatment regimen was three treatments per week for 1 wk, then two treatments per week for 1 wk, then one treatment per week. However, treatment regimen was terminated when there was improvement.


METHODS
Improvement was based on parental decision (they stated that the child had no fever, no signs of ear pain, and was totally asymptomatic), and/or the child seemed to be asymptomatic to the treating DC and/or the parent stated that the child's MD judged the child to be improved. A data abstraction form was used to determine number of treatments used and presence of factors possibly associated with early improvement.


RESULTS
93% of all episodes improved, 75% in 10 days or fewer and 43% with only one or two treatments. Young age, no history on antibiotic use, initial episode (vs. recurrent) and designation of an episode as discomfort rather than ear infection were factors associated with improvement with the fewest treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there were several limitations to this study (mostly because of its retrospection but also, significantly, because very little data was found regarding the natural course of ear infections), this study's data indicate that limitation of medical intervention and the addition of chiropractic care may decrease the symptoms of ear infection in young children.
Froehle
R M
RM
D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D004433:Earache / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents