Systematic literature review of modifiable risk factors for recurrent acute otitis media in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
Review evidence about modifiable risk factors for recurrent acute otitis media.


METHODS
MEDLINE with no language restriction, from January 1966 to July 2005, using descriptors "acute otitis media/risk factors". Two hundred and fifty-seven articles were obtained. These included randomized clinical trials, cohorts, case-control and cross-sectional studies that contained analyses of modifiable risk factors for the development of recurrent acute otitis media as the main objective and with samples of individuals up to the age of 18 years. Except when relevant, the following were excluded: non-systematic reviews, reports of cases, series of cases, and medical society guidelines.


METHODS
Nine risk factors linked to the host and eight linked to the environment were identified. Of the first group, allergy, craniofacial abnormalities, gastroesophageal reflux and the presence of adenoids were classified as modifiable. In the second category, upper airway infections, day care center attendance, presence of siblings/family size, passive smoking, breastfeeding and use of pacifiers were included. Afterwards, the risk factors were classified in accordance with levels of evidence.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factors established for recurrent acute otitis media and capable of being modified were the use of pacifiers and care in daycare centers. The probable risk factors were privation of mother's milk, presence of siblings, craniofacial abnormalities, passive smoking and presence of adenoids. No modifiable factor was classified as unlikely. Among those that need further study are allergy, gastroesophageal reflux and passive smoking during gestation.
Lubianca Neto
José Faibes
JF
Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. jlubianc@terra.com.br
Hemb
Lucas
L
Silva
Daniela Brunelli e
DB
D000208:Acute Disease; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055502:Secondary Prevention