Table 2.
Clinical characteristics of cohort (year before tympanostomy)
| Characteristics | Mean (SE) | Median (interquartile range) |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes of infection* | ||
| 6 months before tympanostomy | 3.1 (0.1) | 3 (2-4) |
| 1 year before tympanostomy | 4.6 (0.1) | 4 (3-6) |
| Length of effusion† | ||
| Consecutive days of effusion‡: | ||
| Bilateral | 30.7 (1.7) | 16 (0-49) |
| Unilateral (left) | 39.1 (2.0) | 26 (2-63.5) |
| Unilateral (right) | 39.8 (2.0) | 28 (3-63.5) |
| Cumulative days of effusion§: | ||
| Bilateral | 77 (2.9) | 66 (30-109.5) |
| Unilateral (left) | 91.7 (3.2) | 78.5 (40.5-131.5) |
| Unilateral (right) | 96.8 (3.1) | 88 (46.5-138) |
*Children with acute otitis media (n=230).
†Children with otitis media with effusion (n=452).
‡Refers to effusion directly preceding surgery.
§Cumulative effusion over one year