Prognosis of Otitis Media with Effusion Treated Mainly with Conservative Therapy.

We reviewed 157 ears of 100 children with otitis media with effusion in order to clarify the effect of conservative therapy and the risk factors for chronicity. They were treated mainly with conservative therapy: administration of S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) and politzerization or catheterization of the eustachian tubes. Of the 100 children 66 (94 ears) had only conservative treatment. Of the 94 ears 78 (83%) were cured within 3 months. All ears were divided into two groups on the basis of the time required for recovery: Group I, ears cured within 6 months after the first visit; Group II, ears not cured within 6 months. The average age in Group II was lower than in Group I. Children in Group II complained less of ear symptoms at the first visit than did those in Group I. We conclude that younger age and lack of complaint may be considered to be risk factors for chronicity of otitis media with effusion.