Pharmacotherapy focusing on for the management of otitis media with effusion in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To examine the evidence for treating children with otitis media with effusion with pharmacotherapy.

Data sources: For the systematic review, data were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane database, and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society Database (1st January 1995 through 31th May 2019).

Study selection: Articles addressing pharmacotherapy for the management of otitis media with effusion in children were selected in English.

Data extraction: The database was searched using the keywords "Otitis Media with effusion or secretory otitis media" and the following medical agents: carbocysteine, antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and steroid nasal spray.

Data synthesis: After a critical review of 18 studies, studies addressing steroid nasal spray were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Intranasal steroids for OME showed no benefit with OR 1.155 (95% CI 0.834-1.598) within one month. Conversely, intranasal steroids have effects for OME with OR 1.858 (95% CI 1.240-2.786) for more than one month.

Conclusions: We found evidence of benefit from treatment of OME in children with intranasal steroids and S-carboxymethylcysteine at longer-term follow-up.

Keywords: Antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonist; Carbocysteine; Meta-analysis; Otitis media with effusion; Steroid nasal spray; Systematic review.