Tympanostomy Tubes or Antibiotics for Acute Otitis Media: Which is Better?

In children younger than 3 years, rates of recurrent acute otitis media did not differ significantly following tympanostomy tubes or medical treatment.

A common dilemma for pediatricians is whether to recommend tympanostomy tubes (TT) for young children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM; defined as ≥3 episodes in 6 months or ≥4 episodes in 12 months with ≥1 episode within the past 6 months). To explore this question, researchers conducted a randomized trial in which they assessed rates of recurrent AOM within 2 years following placement of TT in 129 children compared with 121 children who received medical management. Participants were stratified by age (6–11 months, 12–23 months, and 24–35 months). Among the 121 children assigned to medical management, 54 ultimately received TT because of frequent otitis media or parental request.

Rates of recurrent AOM in the intention-to-treat analys…

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)

Tympanostomy Tubes or Antibiotics for Acute Otitis Media: Which is Better?

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Reviewing Author