Antibiotics for the prevention of acute and chronic suppurative otitis media in children

Efficacy and safety of azithromycin in treating sinusitis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails

Background

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and is commonly treated with antibiotics. The widely used antibiotics for this condition are macrolides, especially azithromycin. However, its effectiveness and side effects are still questionable compared to the other antibiotics. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety profile of azithromycin in sinusitis.

Methods

We adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature review was performed to find out about randomized controlled trials concerning azithromycin compared with other antibiotics in sinusitis treatment. The main outcomes were the cure rate, pathogen eradication rate, and relapse rate. The secondary outcome was the adverse events rate.

Results

Fourteen trials were considered for review, with a sample size of 4201 patients. The pooled analysis for included studies indicated a high cure rate (70.86%) and pathogen eradication rate (74.55%), as well as a low relapse rate (4.82%) and adverse events rate (14.33%) for azithromycin in treating sinusitis patients. The quality of the included studies was considered to be moderate. In a meta-analysis, azithromycin demonstrated superiority in the cure rate to other antibiotics in the study but no difference in pathogen eradication rate, relapse rate, or adverse events rate.

Conclusion

Our results showed promising efficacy and safety of azithromycin in the management of sinusitis patients. However, moderate heterogeneity among studies and a 14.33% rate of adverse effects, primarily gastrointestinal, indicate the importance of individualized treatment decisions. Further research is needed to address variability and optimize its clinical application.

Antibiotic treatment of acute and recurrent otitis media in children: an Italian intersociety Consensus

Acute Otitis Media (AOM) typically affects previously healthy children and can be recurrent. This inter-society consensus aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the antibiotic therapy of mild, severe and recurrent otitis media in previously healthy children in Italy.A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the most recent/relevant evidence. The Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were used with the terms "children," "acute otitis media", "recurrent otitis media", and "antibiotics," from 2012 to April 2024, with no language restrictions. The review focused on studies conducted in high-income countries involving antibiotic therapy in children over 3 months of age diagnosed with AOM or Recurrent AOM (RAOM). The GRADE ADOLOPMENT was used to assess the possibility of adopting or adapting recommendations from two evidence-based guidelines: 'NICE guideline Otitis media (acute): antimicrobial prescribing', updated to 2022 and SIP Intersocietal GL 2019 "Management of acute otitis media in paediatric age: diagnosis, therapy and prevention" The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Final recommendations were formulated through a Delphi consensus process with an expert panel.All major randomised trials and international guidelines promote the appropriate use of antibiotics and advocate a therapy with narrow-spectrum molecules (amoxicillin). The amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is only envisaged when there is a risk of infection by β-lactamase-producing bacteria. In healthy children, amoxicillin should be initiated as a first-line treatment only after a 48-72-h period of appropriate "watchful waiting", during which symptoms are treated while monitoring the patient clinically to see if symptoms resolve. Amoxicillin-clavulanate or second-generation cephalosporins should be reserved for non-immunized children, those with immune deficiencies or those with underlying conditions. In these cases, the use of a clavulanic acid-protected amoxicillin is preferred even though there is no specific scientific evidence to support this choice.The recommended amoxicillin dosage is 90 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses, though two doses may be considered to improve compliance. A five-day duration of therapy is advised.In conclusion the diagnosis of AOM/RAOM relies primarily on clinical assessment, which often introduces uncertainty in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections whereby there remains significant potential to improve antibiotic utilisation. Future studies could play a key role in enhancing the management of AOM/RAOM in children, ensuring that antibiotic treatments are appropriate and effective.

Ear microbiota and middle ear disease: a longitudinal pilot study of Aboriginal children in a remote south Australian setting

BACKGROUND

Otitis media (OM) is a major disease burden in Australian Aboriginal children, contributing to serious long-term health outcomes. We report a pilot analysis of OM in children attending an outreach ear and hearing clinic in a remote south Australian community over a two-year period. Our study focuses on longitudinal relationships between ear canal microbiota characteristics with nasopharyngeal microbiota, and clinical and treatment variables.

RESULTS

Middle ear health status were assessed in 19 children (aged 3 months to 8 years) presenting in remote western South Australia and medical interventions were recorded. Over the two-year study period, chronic suppurative OM was diagnosed at least once in 7 children (37%), acute OM with perforation in 4 children (21%), OM with effusion in 11 children (58%), while only 1 child had no ear disease. Microbiota analysis of 19 children (51 sets of left and right ear canal swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs) revealed a core group of bacterial taxa that included Corynebacterium, Alloiococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, Turicella, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. Within-subject microbiota similarity (between ears) was significantly greater than inter-subject similarity, regardless of differences in ear disease (p = 0.0006). Longitudinal analysis revealed changes in diagnosis to be associated with more pronounced changes in microbiota characteristics, irrespective of time interval. Ear microbiota characteristics differed significantly according to diagnosis (P (perm) = 0.0001). Diagnoses featuring inflammation with tympanic membrane perforation clustering separately to those in which the tympanic membrane was intact, and characterised by increased Proteobacteria, particularly Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Oligella. While nasopharyngeal microbiota differed significantly in composition to ear microbiota (P (perm) = 0.0001), inter-site similarity was significantly greater in subjects with perforated tympanic membranes, a relationship that was associated with the relative abundance of H. influenzae in ear samples (rs = - 0.71, p = 0.0003). Longitudinal changes in ear microbiology reflected changes in clinical signs and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Children attending the ear and hearing clinic in a remote Aboriginal community present with a broad spectrum of OM conditions and severities, consistent with other remote Aboriginal communities. Ear microbiota characteristics align with OM diagnosis and change with disease course. Nasopharyngeal microbiota characteristics are consistent with the contribution of acute upper respiratory infection to OM aetiology.

Recurrent acute otitis media: a survey of current management in England

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent acute otitis media is common in children. The preferred treatment measures for recurrent acute otitis media have a mixed evidence base. This study sought to assess baseline practice across ENT departments in England.

METHODS

A national telephone survey of healthcare staff was conducted. Every ENT centre in England was contacted. A telephone script was used to ask about antibiotic and grommet use and duration in recurrent acute otitis media cases.

RESULTS

Ninety-six centres (74 per cent) provided complete information. Recurrent acute otitis media treatment across England by ENT departments varied. The antibiotic first- and second-line prophylaxis offered varies, with trimethoprim used in 33 centres and 29 centres not offering any antibiotics. The timing or choice about when to use grommets also varies, but 87 centres (91 per cent) offer grommet surgery at one stage.

CONCLUSION

The treatments received by children in England for recurrent acute otitis media vary by centre; collaborative research in this area is advised.

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the clinical effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections: the Approach study

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) affect children all over the world and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In particular, recurrent RTIs cause a high burden of disease and lead to frequent doctor visits. Children with recurrent RTIs generally have no significant alterations or deficits in systemic immunity. In an attempt to treat the assumed bacterial component involved, they are often treated with prolonged courses of prophylactic antibiotics taken on a daily basis. Despite its common use, there is no evidence that this is beneficial. Studies assessing the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis as well as potential adverse effects and antibiotic resistance development, are therefore urgently needed.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We present a protocol for a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial comparing co-trimoxazole with placebo treatment in children with recurrent RTIs. A total of 158 children (aged 6 months-10 years) with recurrent RTIs without significant comorbidity will be enrolled from a minimum of 10 Dutch hospitals. One group receives co-trimoxazole 18 mg/kg two times per day (36 mg/kg/day) and the other group receives a placebo two times per day for a period of 3 months. The main objective is to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis is more effective than placebo to prevent/reduce respiratory symptoms in children with recurrent RTIs. Respiratory symptoms will be scored by parents on a daily basis in both study arms by the use of a mobile phone application. Our primary outcome will be the number of days with at least two respiratory symptoms during the treatment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was obtained from the Medical Ethics Research Committee Zuidwest Holland/LDD. A manuscript with the study results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. All participants will be informed about the study results. The results of the study will inform clinical guidelines regarding the prophylactic treatment of children with recurrent RTIs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL7044.

WITHDRAWN: Grommets (ventilation tubes) for recurrent acute otitis media in children

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 4, 2008 and previously updated in 2011.Acute suppurative otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases in childhood. Recurrent acute otitis media is defined for the purposes of this review as either three or more acute infections of the middle ear cleft in a six-month period, or at least four episodes in a year. Strategies for managing the condition include the assessment and modification of risk factors where possible, repeated courses of antibiotics for each new infection, antibiotic prophylaxis and the insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets).

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether grommet insertion reduces the frequency of episodes of recurrent acute otitis media and the proportion of symptomatic children.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group (CENTDG) Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the CENTDG Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014, Issue 10); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Clinicaltrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 6 November 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing grommet insertion versus control (antibiotics/other treatments/no treatment) for recurrent acute otitis media in children aged from 0 to 16 years.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies. Three authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We synthesised data descriptively.

MAIN RESULTS

Two randomised controlled trials with a total of 148 participants are included in this review. The overall risk of bias in the studies is unclear.The first study randomised 95 children to grommets or control (antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media episodes). For the primary outcome, this study showed that grommet insertion leads to a mean reduction of 1.5 episodes of acute otitis media in the first six months after treatment. In six months of follow-up significantly more children in the grommet group had no episodes of acute otitis media (P value < 0.001). Complications of surgery included grommet blockage with acute otitis media requiring re-operation within six months in 3/54 children who underwent grommet insertion. Adverse effects were not documented in the control group. The following pre-defined secondary outcomes were not reported: change in symptom scores for otalgia or otorrhoea, alteration in the frequency of otalgia or otorrhoea, and number of days at nursery or school lost secondary to acute otitis media.The second study reported on 53 of 68 children who were randomised to grommet insertion or six months of once a day sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim antibiotic prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome, number of episodes of acute otitis media, during the six-month follow-up between grommet insertion and antibiotic treatment groups (64.5% in the surgical group versus 45.4% in the antibiotic group had no recurrence, P value = 0.4). Two participants underwent grommet re-insertion to replace extruded tubes during the follow-up period. The only other adverse effect reported was the development of a skin rash in two patients in the medical group. Other pre-defined secondary outcome measures were not reported. The study has a high risk of bias and the results should be interpreted cautiously.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Grommets significantly increase the number of acute otitis media-free children in the first six months after insertion compared to children who receive no treatment. Grommet insertion maybe of equivalent efficacy to once a day antibiotic prophylaxis. Further research is required to confirm the advantage of grommets over no treatment, investigate the effect beyond six months, compare grommet effectiveness against alternative active treatments and confirm the low risk of adverse effects compared to no treatment and all active treatments in recurrent acute otitis media. In the interim clinicians should consider the possible adverse effects of grommet insertion and alternative treatments before recommending surgery.

Influenza vaccines for preventing acute otitis media in infants and children

BACKGROUND

Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common infectious diseases in children. It has been reported that 64% of infants have an episode of AOM by the age of six months and 86% by one year. Although most cases of AOM are due to bacterial infection, it is commonly triggered by a viral infection. In most children AOM is self limiting, but it does carry a risk of complications. Since antibiotic treatment increases the risk of antibiotic resistance, influenza vaccines might be an effective way of reducing this risk by preventing the development of AOM.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of influenza vaccine in reducing the occurrence of acute otitis media in infants and children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov (15 February 2017). We also searched the reference lists of included studies to identify any additional trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing influenza vaccine with placebo or no treatment in infants and children aged younger than six years. We included children of either sex and of any ethnicity, with or without a history of recurrent AOM.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened studies, assessed trial quality, and extracted data. We performed statistical analyses using the random-effects and fixed-effect models and expressed the results as risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 11 trials (6 trials in high-income countries and 5 multicentre trials in high-, middle-, and low-income countries) involving 17,123 children aged 6 months to 6 years. Eight trials recruited participants from a healthcare setting. Ten trials (and all four trials that contributed to the primary outcome) declared funding from vaccine manufacturers. Four trials reported adequate allocation concealment, and 10 trials reported adequate blinding of participants and personnel. Attrition was low for eight trials included in the analysis.The primary outcome showed a small reduction in at least one episode of AOM over at least six months of follow-up (4 trials, 3134 children; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.02; RD -0.04, 95% CI -0.08 to -0.00; NNTB 25, 95% CI 12.5 to 100; low-quality evidence).The subgroup analyses (i.e. number of courses and types of vaccine administered) showed no differences.There was a reduction in the use of antibiotics in vaccinated children (2 trials, 1223 children; RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83; RD -0.11, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.06; moderate-quality evidence).We were unable to demonstrate whether there was any difference in the utilisation of health care. The use of influenza vaccine resulted in a significant increase in fever (7 trials, 10,615 children; RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24; RD 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.04; low-quality evidence), rhinorrhoea (6 trials, 10,563 children; RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29; RD 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16; low-quality evidence), but no difference in pharyngitis. No major adverse events were reported.Differing from the protocol, the original publication of the review included a subgroup analysis of AOM episodes by season, and the secondary outcome 'types of influenza vaccine' was changed to a subgroup analysis. For this update, we removed the subgroup analyses for trial setting, season, and utilisation of health care due to the small number of trials involved. We removed Belshe 2000 from primary and secondary outcomes (courses of vaccine and types of vaccine) because it reported episodes of AOM per person. We did not perform a subgroup analysis by type of adverse event. We have reported each type of adverse event as a separate analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Influenza vaccine results in a small reduction in AOM. The observed reduction in the use of antibiotics needs to be considered in light of current recommended practices aimed at avoiding antibiotic overuse. Safety data from these trials were limited. The benefits may not justify the use of influenza vaccine without taking into account the vaccine efficacy in reducing influenza and safety data. We judged the quality of the evidence to be low to moderate. Additional research is needed.

Role of a proprietary propolis-based product on the wait-and-see approach in acute otitis media and in preventing evolution to tracheitis, bronchitis, or rhinosinusitis from nonstreptococcal pharyngitis

Antipyretics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs along with a wait-and-see approach are the only treatments recommended in early acute otitis media (AOM) or viral pharyngitis. Propolis has been widely investigated for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties and could perhaps be administered as an add-on therapy during watchful waiting in AOM or for better control of symptoms in nonstreptococcal pharyngitis. However, propolis has well-known problems of poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. We therefore analyzed a proprietary propolis-based product (Propolisina^®) developed to overcome these limitations, in a retrospective, open-label, controlled study of Streptococcus pyogenes-negative children with a diagnosis of AOM or pharyngitis. Our results show that the use of propolis supplement for 72 hours lessens the severity of AOM and viral pharyngitis, reduces the use of antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and decreases the rate of evolution to tracheitis, bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis. Our study shows that propolis could be used as a safe add-on therapy in case of AOM and/or viral pharyngitis.

Otitis media

Otitis media (OM) or middle ear inflammation is a spectrum of diseases, including acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME; 'glue ear') and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). OM is among the most common diseases in young children worldwide. Although OM may resolve spontaneously without complications, it can be associated with hearing loss and life-long sequelae. In developing countries, CSOM is a leading cause of hearing loss. OM can be of bacterial or viral origin; during 'colds', viruses can ascend through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear and pave the way for bacterial otopathogens that reside in the nasopharynx. Diagnosis depends on typical signs and symptoms, such as acute ear pain and bulging of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) for AOM and hearing loss for OME; diagnostic modalities include (pneumatic) otoscopy, tympanometry and audiometry. Symptomatic management of ear pain and fever is the mainstay of AOM treatment, reserving antibiotics for children with severe, persistent or recurrent infections. Management of OME largely consists of watchful waiting, with ventilation (tympanostomy) tubes primarily for children with chronic effusions and hearing loss, developmental delays or learning difficulties. The role of hearing aids to alleviate symptoms of hearing loss in the management of OME needs further study. Insertion of ventilation tubes and adenoidectomy are common operations for recurrent AOM to prevent recurrences, but their effectiveness is still debated. Despite reports of a decline in the incidence of OM over the past decade, attributed to the implementation of clinical guidelines that promote accurate diagnosis and judicious use of antibiotics and to pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, OM continues to be a leading cause for medical consultation, antibiotic prescription and surgery in high-income countries.

Acute otitis media in children-current treatment and prevention

Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common bacterial infection in children and has a very varied clinical spectrum, ranging from spontaneous resolutions to serious complications. The effect of antibiotics in AOM depends on the chosen outcome, but has been shown to reduce pain somewhat, and have a greater beneficial effect in severe cases of AOM. Today, not all episodes of AOM are treated with antibiotics, but most countries have issued guidelines that include an option of watchful waiting in many cases. Prevention of AOM reaches from modification of environmental risk factors to vaccinations and surgery. Conjugate pneumococcal vaccines and influenza vaccines have been shown to somewhat reduce the number of AOM episodes in different groups of children. Grommets, with or without adenoidectomy, are effective at least during the first 6 months after surgery.

Evidence-based management of otitis media: a 5S model approach

Objective:

The 5S model proposes five hierarchical levels (systems, summaries, synopses, syntheses and studies) of pre-appraised evidence to guide evidence-based practice. This review aimed to identify and summarise pre-appraised evidence at the highest available 5S level for the management of different subsets of otitis media: acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma in both adults and children.

Method:

Data sources were pre-appraised evidence resources. Evidence freely available from sources at the highest available level of the 5S model were summarised for this review.

Results:

System level evidence exists for acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Summary level evidence exists for recurrent acute otitis media and medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media. There is an absence of randomised controlled trials to prove the efficacy of surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma.

Conclusion:

Until randomised controlled trial data are generated, consensus publications on the surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma should be used to guide best practice.

Otitis media in children vaccinated during consecutive 7-valent or 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination schedules

BACKGROUND

In 2001 when 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced, almost all (90%) young Australian Indigenous children living in remote communities had some form of otitis media (OM), including 24% with tympanic membrane perforation (TMP). In late 2009, the Northern Territory childhood vaccination schedule replaced PCV7 with 10-valent pneumococcal Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV10).

METHODS

We conducted regular surveillance of all forms of OM in children in remote Indigenous communities between September 2008 and December 2012. This analysis compares children less than 36 months of age who received a primary course of at least two doses of PCV7 or PHiD-CV10, and not more than one dose of another pneumococcal vaccine.

RESULTS

Mean ages of 444 PCV7- and 451 PHiD-CV10-vaccinated children were 20 and 18 months, respectively. Bilaterally normal middle ears were detected in 7% and 9% respectively. OM with effusion was diagnosed in 41% and 51% (Risk Difference 10% [95% Confidence Interval 3 to 17] p = 0.002), any suppurative OM (acute OM or any TMP) in 51% versus 39% (RD -12% [95% CI -19 to -5] p = 0.0004], and TMP in 17% versus 14% (RD -3% [95% CI -8 to 2] p = 0.2), respectively. Multivariate analyses described a similar independent negative association between suppurative OM and PHiD-CV10 compared to PCV7 (Odds Ratio = 0.6 [95% CI 0.4 to 0.8] p = 0.001). Additional children in the household were a risk factor for OM (OR = 2.4 [95% CI 2 to 4] p = 0.001 for the third additional child), and older age and male gender were associated with less disease. Other measured risk factors were non-significant. Similar clinical results were found for children who had received non-mixed PCV schedules.

CONCLUSIONS

Otitis media remains a significant health and social issue for Australian Indigenous children despite PCV vaccination. Around 90% of young children have some form of OM. Children vaccinated in with PHiD-CV10 had less suppurative OM than children vaccinated with PCV7. Ongoing surveillance during the PCV13 era, and trials of early intervention including earlier and mixed vaccine schedules are warranted.

Contemporary concepts in management of acute otitis media in children

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common disease of childhood. AOM is most appropriately diagnosed by careful otoscopy with an understanding of clinical signs and symptoms. The distinction between AOM and chronic otitis media with effusion should be emphasized. Treatment should include pain management, and initial antibiotic treatment should be given to those most likely to benefit, including young children, children with severe symptoms, and those with otorrhea and/or bilateral AOM. Tympanostomy tube placement may be helpful for those who experience frequent episodes of AOM or fail medical therapy. Recent practice guidelines may assist the clinician with such decisions.

Update on otitis media - prevention and treatment

Acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion are common childhood disorders, a source of significant morbidity, and a leading cause of antibiotic prescription in primary health care. Although effective treatments are available, some shortcomings remain, and thus better treatments would be welcome. Recent discoveries within the field of otitis media research relating to its etiology and pathogenesis have led to further investigation aimed at developing novel treatments. This article provides a review of the latest evidence relating to the understanding of acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion, current treatment strategies, their limitations, new areas of research, and novel strategies for treatment.

Topical treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity presenting with ear discharge or otorrhea through a non-intact tympanic membrane. CSOM is the most common cause of childhood hearing impairment in developing countries. Accurate diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion, micro-otoscopic examination, and judicious use of imaging as required. CSOM can be classified into 3 types: tubotympanic, atticoantral, and post-tympanostomy tube insertion. Aerobes, anaerobes and fungi are all potential pathogens in CSOM. This review summarizes the results of recent studies on the bacteriology of CSOM, biofilms, and the role of the nasopharynx pathogens that may have important implications for the treatment of this important pathology; that is often associated with misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Particular emphasis will be placed on topical treatment options including choices of antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic agents, delivery technique, spectrum of activity, and risk of ototoxicity.

Pattern of bacterial isolates in the middle ear discharge of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in a tertiary hospital in North central Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Otitis media (OM) is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of bacterial isolates in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM) in Ilorin, Nigeria.

METHODS

A prospective study carried out in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria among consenting patients with CSOM attending the ENT clinic over a period of 7months. Informed consent was obtained from the patients or caregivers and approval for the study obtained from ethical committee. Structured questionnaire was administered and microbiological analysis done, data obtained was entered into SPSS statistical software and results presented in tables and figures.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients aged 5-64yrs with chronic suppurative otitis media were interviewed with a mean age of 17.0 (S.D. =15.1±1.30). About 55.2% of the respondents were under 10yrs. Seventy-two (53.7%) of the respondents were males with M:F=1.2:1. The gram stain showed predominantly gram negative organisms (71.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest middle ear pathogenic organism identified and the sensitivity pattern highly favoured ciprofloxacin

CONCLUSION

CSOM is still a childhood problem among the under tens' more prevalent among males and the commonest agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin is still the most sensitive antibiotics in vitro.

Acute and chronic otitis media

Otitis media (OM) is a common illness in young children. OM has historically been associated with frequent and severe complications. Nowadays it is usually a mild condition that often resolves without treatment. For most children, progression to tympanic membrane perforation and chronic suppurative OM is unusual (low-risk populations); this has led to reevaluation of many interventions that were used routinely in the past. Evidence from a large number of randomized controlled trials can help when discussing treatment options with families. Indigenous children in the United States, Canada, Northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand experience more OM than other children. In some places, Indigenous children continue to suffer from the most severe forms of the disease. Communities with more than 4% of the children affected by chronic tympanic membrane perforation have a major public health problem (high-risk populations). Higher rates of invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, and chronic suppurative lung disease (including bronchiectasis) are also seen. These children will often benefit from effective treatment of persistent (or recurrent) bacterial infection.

Management of children with otitis media: a summary of evidence from recent systematic reviews

Health-care professionals who manage children are regularly confronted with clinical questions regarding the management of the full spectrum of otitis media: acute otitis media; otitis media with effusion; and chronic suppurative otitis media. Given the variety of potential therapies available, the wide spectrum of middle ear disorders, and the lack of consensus about management strategies, clinicians are in a difficult position when managing these children. In this review, we seek to summarise the current best evidence for answering otitis media management questions by collating existing systematic reviews.

Upper respiratory tract infections (including otitis media)

Upper respiratory tract infections (including otitis media) are the most common illnesses affecting children. Most illnesses are mild and resolve completely without specific treatment, but the frequency of infection and association with fever and constitutional symptoms creates significant distress for the child and the family. By understanding the evidence available from high-quality studies, the clinician can advise the families on appropriate action. The goal of this article is to support clinicians in answering the following questions: (1) What happened to children with these conditions when no additional treatment was provided? (2) Which interventions have been assessed in well-designed studies? (3) Which interventions have been shown to improve outcomes? (4) How large is the overall benefit?

Otitis media as a presenting complaint in childhood immunodeficiency diseases

Otitis media is one of the most common childhood infections and may result from a variety of underlying problems. Suspicion of immunodeficiency should increase when ear infections are frequent; suppurative; unresponsive to antibiotics; caused by unusual organisms; or seen in the context of other frequent infections, severe eczema, or failure to thrive. Humoral immune deficiencies, particularly with an inability to make antibody to encapsulated organisms, are the immunodeficiencies most likely to cause increased otitis media. Immune system evaluation should concentrate on humoral immunodeficiency disorders, but the presenting history and physical findings also should be considered when designing the work-up. Treating the underlying immune deficiency is usually necessary to adequately control the ear infections.

Grommets (ventilation tubes) for recurrent acute otitis media in children

BACKGROUND

Acute suppurative otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases in childhood. Recurrent acute otitis media is defined for the purposes of this review as either three or more acute infections of the middle ear cleft in a six-month period, or at least four episodes in a year. Strategies for managing the condition include the assessment and modification of risk factors where possible, repeated courses of antibiotics for each new infection, antibiotic prophylaxis and the insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets).

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether ventilation tube insertion reduces the frequency of episodes of recurrent acute otitis media and the proportion of children with symptoms of ear disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1 2008), MEDLINE (1950 to 2008), EMBASE (1974 to 2008), CINAHL, mRCT (the metaRegister of Controlled Trials for ongoing/unpublished trials), NRR (National Research Register), LILACs, KoreaMed, IndMed, PakMediNet, Zetoc, ISI Proceedings and Cambridge Scientific Abstracts. Reference lists of articles retrieved from the electronic searches were scanned for further trials. Systematic reviews and other meta-analyses were also searched for and their reference lists scanned. Contact was sought with authors of published trials and other experts in the field. The date of the last search was March 2008.

SELECTION CRITERIA

No trials that included a treatment and a control group that met the inclusion criteria were excluded. Abstracts were screened and full text articles of studies that met our inclusion criteria obtained. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria. Studies included in the review underwent quality assessment performed independently by all authors adapting the methods outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted independently by the authors and synthesised descriptively. Five randomised controlled trials were identified, of which two fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies involving 148 children were included in the review. One of these studies, involving 95 children, showed that ventilation tube insertion leads to a mean reduction of 1.5 episodes of acute otitis media in the first six months after treatment. This study also showed a significant increase in the proportion of children with no episodes of AOM (p < 0.001) in the ventilation tube group. The other included study also found a higher proportion of patients in the ventilation tube group had no episodes of AOM in the six months after intervention, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.16).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Ventilation tubes have a significant role in maintaining a 'disease-free' state in the first six months after insertion. Further research is required to investigate the effect beyond six months. Clinicians should consider the possible adverse effects of grommet insertion before surgery is undertaken.

Compared to placebo, long-term antibiotics resolve otitis media with effusion (OME) and prevent acute otitis media with perforation (AOMwiP) in a high-risk population: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

For children at high risk of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), strategies to prevent acute otitis media with perforation (AOMwiP) may reduce progression to CSOM.

METHODS

In a double blind study in northern Australia, 103 Aboriginal infants with first detection of OME were randomised to receive either amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/d BD) or placebo for 24 weeks, or until bilateral aerated middle ears were diagnosed at two successive monthly examinations (success). Standardised clinical assessments and international standards for microbiology were used.

RESULTS

Five of 52 infants in the amoxicillin group and none of 51 infants in the placebo group achieved success at the end of therapy (Risk Difference = 9.6% [95% confidence interval 1.6,17.6]). Amoxicillin significantly reduced the proportion of children with i) perforation at the end of therapy (27% to 12% RD = -16% [-31,-1]), ii) recurrent perforation during therapy (18% to 4% RD = -14% [-25,-2]), and iii) reduced the proportion of examinations with a diagnosis of perforation during therapy (20% to 8% adjusted risk ratio 0.36 [0.15,0.83] p = 0.017). During therapy, the proportion of examinations with penicillin non-susceptible (MIC > 0.1 microg/ml) pneumococci was not significantly different between the amoxicillin group (34%) and the placebo group (40%). Beta-lactamase positive non-capsular H. influenzae (NCHi) were uncommon during therapy but more frequent in the amoxicillin group (10%) than placebo (5%).

CONCLUSION

Aboriginal infants receiving continuous amoxicillin had more normal ears, fewer perforations, and less pneumococcal carriage. There was no statistically significant increase in resistant pneumococci or NCHi in amoxicillin children compared to placebo children who received regular paediatric care and antibiotic treatment for symptomatic illnesses.

The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group

The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group is part of The Cochrane Collaboration and produces high-quality systematic reviews of interventions in otolaryngology and a register of all published and unpublished randomized and controlled trials in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The editorial base in Oxford provides support for volunteer reviewers who are practitioners, epidemiologists, or patients wishing to undertake reviews, and these are published in The Cochrane Library (www.thecochranelibrary.com). Participation and group membership is free and open to all. We describe here how the group is organized, how it undertakes its core activities, and how you, the reader, can become involved.

What is new in otitis media?

The "wait and see" approach in acute otitis media (AOM), consisting of postponing the antibiotic administration for a few days, has been advocated mainly to counteract the increased bacterial resistance in respiratory infections. This approach is not justified in children less than 2 years of age and this for several reasons. First, AOM is an acute inflammation of the middle ear caused in about 70% of cases by bacteria. Redness and bulging of the tympanic membrane are characteristic findings in bacterial AOM. Second, AOM is associated with long-term dysfunction of the inflamed eustachian tube (ET), particularly in children less than 2 years of age. In this age group, the small calibre of the ET together with its horizontal direction result in impaired clearance, ventilation and protection of the middle ear. Third, recent prospective studies have shown poor long-term prognosis of AOM in children below 2 years with at least 50% of recurrences and persisting otitis media with effusion (OME) in about 35% 6 months after AOM. Viruses elicit AOM in about 30% of children. A prolonged course of AOM has been observed when bacterial and viral infections are combined because viral infection is also associated with ET dysfunction in young children. Bacterial and viral testing of the nasopharyngeal aspirate is an excellent tool both for initial treatment and recurrence of AOM. Antibiotic treatment of AOM is mandatory in children less than 2 years of age to decrease inflammation in the middle ear but also of the ET particularly during the first episode. The best choice is amoxicillin because of its superior penetration in the middle ear. Streptococci pneumoniae with intermediary bacterial resistance to penicillin are particularly associated with recurrent AOM. Therefore the dosage of amoxicillin should be 90 mg/kg per day in three doses. In recurrent AOM with beta-lactamase-producing bacilli, amoxicillin should be associated with clavulanic acid at a dose of 6.4 mg/kg per day. The duration of the treatment is not established yet but 10 days is reasonable for a first episode of AOM. OME may be a precursor initiating AOM but also a complication thereof. OME needs a watchful waiting approach. When associated with deafness for 2-3 months in children over 2 years of age, an antibiotic should be given according to the results of the bacterial resistance in the nasopharyngeal aspirate. The high rate of complications of tympanostomy tube insertion outweighs the beneficial effect on hearing loss. The poor results of this procedure are due to the absence of effects on ET dysfunction. Pneumococcal vaccination has little beneficial effects on recurrent AOM and its use in infants needs further studies. Treatment with amoxicillin is indicated in all children younger than 2 years with a first episode of AOM presenting with redness and bulging of the tympanic membrane. Combined amoxicillin and clavulanic acid should be given in patients with beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. The duration of treatment is estimated to be at least 10 days depending on the findings by pneumo-otoscopy and tympanometry. Bacterial and viral testing of the nasopharyngeal aspirate is highly recommended particularly in children in day care centres as well as for regular follow-up. The high recurrence rate is due to the long-lasting dysfunction of the eustachian tube and the immune immaturity of children less than 2 years of age.

Antibiotics for the prevention of acute and chronic suppurative otitis media in children

BACKGROUND

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness. These middle ear infections may be frequent and painful. AOM may be associated with perforation of the tympanic membrane and can progress to chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of long-term antibiotics (for longer than six weeks) in preventing any AOM, AOM with perforation and CSOM.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (January 1966 to March Week 3 2006), OLD MEDLINE (1950 to 1965), EMBASE (1990 to December 2005) and the references of relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials of long-term (longer than six weeks) antibiotics versus placebo or no treatment for the prevention of AOM, AOM with perforation, or CSOM were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted the data for: any AOM; episodes of AOM; any recurrent AOM; episodes of illness; any side effects; any antibiotic resistance, as well as outcomes at end of intervention (any AOM); and following cessation of intervention (any AOM). For dichotomous outcomes, the summary risk ratio (fixed and random-effects models) was calculated. For rate outcomes, the summary incidence rate ratio was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen studies involving 1483 children met our inclusion criteria. All studies enrolled children at increased risk of AOM, and in seven studies the children were prone to otitis media. The majority of studies were high quality and most (15 studies) reported data for our primary outcomes. None reported AOM with perforation or CSOM. Long-term antibiotics reduced any episode of AOM (13 studies, 1358 children, risk ratio (RR) 0.62, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.75; random-effects model) and number of episodes of AOM (12 studies, 1112 children, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.48, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.62; random-effects model). Approximately five children would need to be treated long term to prevent one child experiencing AOM whilst on treatment. Antibiotics prevented 1.5 episodes of AOM for every 12 months of treatment per child. Statistical heterogeneity was explored. Long-term antibiotics were not associated with a significant increase in adverse events (11 studies, 714 children, RR 1.99, 95% CI 0.25 to 15.89; random-effects model).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For children at risk, antibiotics given once or twice daily will reduce the probability of AOM while the child is on treatment. Antibiotics will reduce the number of episodes of AOM per year from around three to around 1.5. We believe that larger absolute benefits are likely in high-risk children. These conclusions were not affected by sensitivity analyses.