Risk factors associated with the development of chronic suppurative otitis media in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as persistent discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation for greater than 2 weeks. It is associated with a significant disease burden, including hearing loss, and reducing its incidence could significantly improve short- and long-term health. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of CSOM in children. Design and Setting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies set in community, primary and secondary care settings, identified from Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases from 2000 to 2022. Participants: Children 16 years old and below. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical diagnosis of CSOM. Results: In total, 739 papers were screened, with 12 deemed eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, of which, 10 were included in the meta-analysis. Risk factors examined included perinatal, patient, dietary, environmental and parental factors. Meta-analysis results indicate that atopy (RR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.01–1.37], p =.04, 2 studies); and birth weight <2500 g (RR = 1.79 [1.27–2.50], p