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

Abstract 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 P  = 0.003). Conclusion Allergic rhinitis and allergy appear to be risk factors for otitis media with effusion.