Pacific Islands families study: The prevalence of chronic middle ear disease in 2-year-old Pacific children living in New Zealand

Summary 

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic middle ear disease in 2-year-old Pacific children living in New Zealand.

Methods

The data were gathered as part of the Pacific Islands Families: First Two Years of Life (PIF) Study in which 1001 two year olds were screened using tympanometry to identify children at risk for otitis media with effusion (OME) and other otological disorders. Those failing the screening tests were referred to Manukau Superclinic where they had a further tympanometry test, and if they failed this test, were followed up with a comprehensive otological examination by an otolaryngologist using otomicroscopy and pneumatic otoscopy.

Results

Bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) was the most common abnormality detected (N=102) with further cases of unilateral OME (N=8), and unilateral OME resolving (N=2). Other cases of OME were associated with acute otitis media (AOM), impacted wax (N=1), perforation (N=1), and mild retraction (N=2). Overall there were 118 children with unilateral or bilateral OME. AOM of any form was seen in nine cases. Retraction of the tympanic membrane was seen in 26 cases. The population prevalence among Pacific 2-year-old children was estimated as 25.4% for OME, 1.9% for AOM, and 26.9% for OME or AOM.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that over 25% of Pacific Island 2-year-old were affected by OME and recommend the consideration of national screening for OME and other otological disorders at this earlier age.

Keywords: Otitis media with effusion, Pacific children, Middle ear disease