Chronic otitis media with effusion during infancy, have parent-reported symptoms prognostic value? A prospective longitudinal study from 0 to 2 years of age.
As a part of a prospective study (age, 0-2 years), the prognostic value of parent-reported symptoms relative to chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) was examined in a group of 122 infants. The occurrence of hearing loss, ear infection, mouth breathing, snoring and common cold was inventoried using a standardised questionnaire filled in by parents at 3-monthly intervals. Tympanometric and otoscopic records were combined for assessment of middle ear status. Subjects were categorized into three groups: none (n = 13), mild (n = 78) and severe (n = 31) COME. Analysis revealed that all symptoms in the first year of life were significantly associated with severe COME. In the second year, only hearing loss was associated with a higher risk for severe COME. The risk for severe COME increased when symptoms were combined. In conclusion, a questionnaire based on only symptoms during the first year of life may assist in screening and managing severe COME.
Engel
J A
JA
Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. amengel@wxs.nl
Anteunis
L J
LJ
Volovics
A
A
Hendriks
J J
JJ
Manni
J J
JJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires