Pediatric middle ear infections and gastroesophageal reflux.
OBJECTIVE
The pathogenesis of middle ear infections in children is multifactorial and includes infection, anatomical factors, impaired immunologic status, allergy, familial predisposition, male sex, method of feeding and environmental factors. Glue ear remains the commonest cause of deafness in childhood. Gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common problem in the newborn and preschool periods. Recent research suggests that it may be related to eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.


METHODS
We review the literature and discuss the possible relationship between Gastroesophageal reflux and otitis media in children.


CONCLUSIONS
The current data are not enough to support antireflux treatment in children with refractory middle ear infections. More prospective randomised placebo-controlled studies are needed.
Karkos
P D
PD
Department of Otolaryngology, The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. pkarkos@aol.com
Assimakopoulos
D
D
Issing
W J
WJ
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology*