Why are NICU infants at risk for chronic otitis media with effusion?
Newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and even later have a high incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME). It is unclear which aspects play a role in the incidence of chronic OME during infancy. In order to investigate the effect of nasally-placed tubes, cranial growth, immune system, and neuromotor function on the occurrence of chronic OME, 83 NICU patients were observed prospectively for middle ear status. Duration and type of treatment with nasal tubes were obtained from the NICU notes. At the NICU, and 1 and 2 years of age the cranial circumference and neuromotor function were assessed. As a proxy for disturbed local immune system parental reports of snoring, mouth breathing and common cold were used. Multivariate analysis revealed that infants treated with nasotracheal and nasopharyngeal tubes showed a marginally significant increased risk for chronic OME (OR=3.2 [95% CI 0.5–21.2]). Treatment with nasogastric tubes appeared to have a lower risk for chronic OME (O
