Consistency of diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media: a review of the recent literature.
Clinicians use various criteria to diagnose acute otitis media (AOM). Using American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, we reviewed the consistency of AOM diagnosis in clinical trials (1994-2005). Eighty-one percent of the studies required at least one of the three AAP criteria. Only 20% of the 88 studies met all three AAP criteria for a diagnosis. We found no association between the number of criteria met and study quality or industry sponsorship. Better agreement on the definition of AOM using AAP criteria could facilitate a more accurate clinical diagnosis and provide standardization of research and patient care practices.
Chandler
Stephanie M
SM
University of Texas Medical Branch, 400 Harbourside Drive, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Garcia
Shawn M S
SM
McCormick
David P
DP
D000208:Acute Disease; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic