Gastroesophageal reflux; Chronic otitis media with effusion; Extraesophageal reflux; Children; Pepsin; Diagnostic

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate whether Peptest, an immunoassay used to detect pepsin, could be used to diagnose extraesophageal reflux (EER) in children with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). The results obtained using this fast, simple and non-expensive method were compared with the results of previous studies. Methods: Children 1-7 years old who had been diagnosed with OME and who were undergoing myringotomy with insertion of a ventilation tube were included in the prospective study. Middle ear fluid obtained during myringotomy was analyzed with Peptest to determine the presence of pepsin, and hence EER.