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Can meta-analysis help uncertainty in surgery for otitis media in children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Elizabeth E. Bodner ,
George G. Browning ,
Frances T. Chalmers  and
Thomas C. Chalmers
Elizabeth E. Bodner
Affiliation:
From: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachussetts.
George G. Browning*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
Frances T. Chalmers
Affiliation:
Skagut Pediatrics, Seattle, Washington.
Thomas C. Chalmers
Affiliation:
Technology Assessment Group, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachussetts
*
University of Glasgow, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
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Abstract

While otitis media is perhaps the most common disease of childhood that receives medical attention, there is little agreement concerning the efficacy of the medical and surgical therapies employed to try to alleviate its symptoms or hasten its natural resolution. Because various surgeries including adenoidectomy, myringotomy, and insertion of tympanostomy tubes are frequently involved in the treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME), it is likely the most expensive condition being managed in national terms.

In an attempt to elucidate the most appropriate management of this condition, a meta-analysis was attempted to the 12 randomized control trials of surgical treatments for OME in children, published between 1966 and 1990. Heterogeneity both in the populations and comparisons studied and in the out comes presented made meta-analysis an inappropriate method for clarifying this area of clinical uncertainty. Important elements in the design of randomized control trials that should be included in future studies of treatment for OME are therefore discussed.

Keywords

Otitis media with effusionStatisticsmeta-analysis
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 105 , Issue 10 , October 1991 , pp. 812 - 819
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1991

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