Helicobacter pylori: a possible association with otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate possible role of Helicobacter Pylori in pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME).

STUDY DESIGN AND

SETTING

Randomized controlled trial, tertiary referral center.

STUDY GROUP: Middle ear fluid was aspirated, a biopsy was taken from the promontorium of 22 children with OME.

CONTROL GROUP: A small biopsy was taken from the promontorium of 20 children with normal otologic findings. For both groups, 5 mm deep tissue specimens were obtained from tonsil and adenoid.

RESULTS

H pylori presence in the middle ear, the tonsillar and adenoid tissues by culture and PCR was significantly more frequent in the study group compared to the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to grow H pylori in middle ear in OME. Significantly increased colonization by H pylori of the middle ear, and tonsillar and adenoid tissue in patients with OME indicates that the bacteria might be involved in the pathogenesis of OME.

EBM RATING: A-1b.