Low dose macrolide administration for long term is effective for otitis media with effusion in children

Abstract

Objective: To explore the clinical effect and possible mechanism of macrolides on otitis media with effusion in children.

Methods: Children with otitis media with effusion were recruited and prescribed for macrolides according to a designed scheme, and followed up for 8-12 weeks. Middle ear effusion samples were collected from the participants to assess the presence of biofilm.

Results: Macrolides were found to have significant effect on the therapy of early stage otitis media with effusion for 88.7-92.5% of participants compared with 50.9-60.3% in control group after 8-12 weeks. Almost 72.1% of chronic otitis media with effusion patients recovered after an 8 weeks' course low dose macrolides prescription. Biofilm occurred in 30.8% (4/13) of middle ear effusion.

Conclusions: The results indicate that macrolides are effective for otitis media with effusion in children. Bacterial biofilm may play an important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion.