Does Early Otitis Media Lead to IBD?

Another potential long-term consequence of indiscriminate antibiotic use

Rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children are rising. One etiologic hypothesis is that early use of antibiotics causes alterations in gastrointestinal flora that contribute to the development of IBD (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Oct 31 2012). Researchers examined the association between an early diagnosis of otitis media (by age 5 years) — the most common diagnosis associated with antibiotic treatment — and IBD using population-based data from Manitoba, Canada. They compared 294 children (mean age, 13 years) diagnosed with IBD between 1989 and 2008 and 2377 matched controls.

By age 1 year, 50% of IBD cases and 48% of controls had at least one diagnosis of otitis media. By age 5 years, only 11% of IBD cases and 18% of controls did not h…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Does Early Otitis Media Lead to IBD?

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Reviewing Author