Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
First Advisor
Jason Brumitt
Abstract
Background
Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common pediatric diseases and can lead to long term complications. Due to the inflammation caused by AOM, damage can be done to the middle ear, impacting a child's auditory sense. As they grow older, this can result in developmental delay and impact many other aspects of their life. AOM associated with long term hearing loss is most prevalent in rural communities. Early detection and treatment of AOM can prevent inflammation from progressing to chronic scarring but many rural communities do not have access to expedient medical care.
One of the most common causes of AOM in pediatric patients is streptococcus pneumoniae. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), such as the Prevnar vaccination, has led to a reduction in meningitis associated with streptococcus pneumoniae. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify if there is a decrease in the incidence of AOM in pediatric populations in rural areas who have been inoculated with PCVs.
Methods and Results
A search on PubMed for studies using the keywords “Otitis Media” and “Pneumococcal Vaccine” yielded 1,330 results. A search of the literature revealed 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria.
The majority of studies (n = 10) showed a statistically significant reduction in AOM incidence after inoculation using PCVs. Several studies noted that children younger than 20 months had a greater response to the vaccine compared to those who were older. The range of reduction of AOM incidence ranged from 5% to 86%.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduce the incidence of AOM in pediatric populations. The findings of this study suggests that widespread vaccination has prevented incidence of AOM, and possibly reducing sequelae associated with AOM. Further studies could be done comparing long term hearing loss among pediatric populations who were inoculated with PCV compared to populations who were not.
Recommended Citation
Murray, Thomas Dillon; Rhea, Michelle; McCarthy, Erika; and Asbell, Kristy, "Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccination to Decrease the Incidence of Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Populations under Five Years Old, A Scoping Review" (2024). Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc). 43.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmsc/43