Echinacea and Osteopathic Treatment for Ear Infections in Kids
Author Information
Author(s): Richard A Wahl, Michael B Aldous, Katherine A Worden, Kathryn L Grant
Primary Institution: University of Arizona
Hypothesis
Does Echinacea purpurea and/or osteopathic manipulative treatment reduce the risk of acute otitis media in children with recurrent otitis media?
Conclusion
Echinacea treatment does not reduce the risk of ear infections in children and may actually increase it, while osteopathic manipulative treatment does not significantly affect the risk either.
Supporting Evidence
- Echinacea was associated with a borderline increased risk of acute otitis media.
- OMT did not significantly affect the risk of acute otitis media.
- The study involved 90 children with recurrent ear infections.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a herbal treatment and a type of physical therapy could help kids who keep getting ear infections. It found that the herbal treatment might even make things worse.
Methodology
A randomized, placebo-controlled, two-by-two factorial trial with 6-month follow-up conducted in Tucson, Arizona.
Potential Biases
Unequal distribution of certain risk factors among treatment groups.
Limitations
Small sample size and incomplete compliance with treatment and follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 12–60 months with recurrent otitis media; 57% male, 44% white non-Hispanic, 39% Hispanic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.04, 2.42
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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