[Seromucous otitis and atopic allergy].

The various recent studies conducted are reviewed with the aim of establishing or refuting the hypothesis of a relation between immediate type I allergic reactions and seromucous otitis. Critical analysis of the different publications available is completed by an analysis of a personal series of 58 examinations of serum and secretory IgE levels in children 6 months to 11 years with seromucous otitis. Findings fail to support the hypothesis of type I allergy as a major, primary etiologic factor in seromucous otitis even though this affection can appear as a complication of an allergic diathesis.