Epidemiology

​​Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood illness, particularly in children aged under 5 years.[2] It can be found in over 50% of children aged under 1 year and 60% of children aged under 2 years.[1][5]​​​​ Approximately 2.2 million new cases of OME are diagnosed annually in the United States.​​[2]​ In one study of primary school children in western Sicily screened for OME, the condition was identified in 143 out of 2097 children.[6]​ The overall prevalence of OME was found to be 6.8%, with a maximum prevalence of 12.9% between ages 5 and 6 years. The prevalence of OME decreased with increasing age of the child.[6]​ However, as OME can be asymptomatic it may be difficult to detect and truly quantify.

The prevalence of OME is higher in children with cleft lip and palate than in children without.[7][2]​​ OME continues to be prevalent in children after cleft palate repair.[8]​ The prevalence of OME is also higher in children with Down syndrome.[2]​ One retrospective cross-sectional analysis found a peak in prevalence in children with Down syndrome at age 1 year (66.7%), with a second peak at age 6 to 7 years (60%).[9]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer