Ear disease in children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess otitis media in children with cystic fibrosis.

DESIGN: Prospective prevalence survey.

SETTING: Otolaryngology and cystic fibrosis/pulmonology outpatient clinics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pa), a regional referral center.

PATIENTS: Seventy patients, aged 4 months to 17 years, with documented cystic fibrosis who presented to the cystic fibrosis/pulmonary clinic with scheduled appointments were asked to volunteer for the study. The 70 patients recruited represent approximately one fourth of the children younger than 17 years with cystic fibrosis who were followed up by the cystic fibrosis/pulmonary clinic.

INTERVENTION: Ear, nose, and throat examination including pneumatic otoscopy, with tympanometry when indicated; relevant history taking.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence or absence of otitis media.

RESULTS: Seven (10%) of the 70 patients had unilateral or bilateral otitis media.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with cystic fibrosis have a low prevalence of otitis media compared with normal children.