Local and serum IgE in patients affected by otitis media with effusion.

Various mechanisms intervene in the etiopathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME), but to date it is not clear which mechanism is the most important. We studied twenty children affected with persistent otitis media with effusion (OME) inspite of the indicated treatments, and the possible incidence of atopic features, total serum IgE and in effusion, obtained by myringotomy and aspiration were evaluated. In order to evaluate the presence of atopy, an allergic history and skin tests against the different suspected allergens (inhalants and foods) were realized.