Allergic rhinitis and allergy are risk factors for otitis media with effusion: A meta-analysis

Objective/Hypothesis We systematically reviewed the associations between allergic rhinitis or allergy and otitis media with effusion, by reference to published data. Study design: A meta-analysis of case-controlled studies. Data source: Five databases (Pubmed, Highwire, Medline, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for relevant studies in the English language published prior to November 12, 2015. Studies chosen: Studies with clearly defined experimental and control groups, in which the experimental groups had otitis media with effusion together with allergic rhinitis or allergy, were selected. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis on data from the identified cross-sectional and case-controlled studies using fixed- or random-effects models (depending on heterogeneity). We used Reviewer Manager 5.3 software to this end. Results:Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with otitis media with effusion and the control groups differed significantly in three studies (P < 0.00001), as did the prevalence of allergy (in six studies; P = 0.003). Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis and allergy appear to be risk factors for otitis media with effusion. (C) 2016 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.