Large cohort study finds a statistically significant association between excessive crying in early infancy and subsequent ear symptoms. (12th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hestbaek, Lise; Sannes, Marianne Myhre; Lous, Jørgen
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 103:Number 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: e206
• Page End: e211
• Publication Date: 2014-02-12
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.12570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="apa12570-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="apa12570-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The diagnosis of infantile colic is based on excessive crying. However, several causal factors can account for this disconcerting, nonspecific symptom. The main aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between excessive crying during the first 6 months of life and subsequent ear problems.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12570-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Data from a cohort study of 26 983 Danish children were used. Mothers participated in four telephone interviews and one questionnaire and provided information on crying in the first 6 months of life and ear symptoms at the ages of 6 months, 18 months and 7 years.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12570-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>There was a statistically significant association between excessive crying in infancy and subsequent ear symptoms. A gradual increase in subsequent ear problems was seen with increasing crying time at all the data collection times.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12570-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The results of this study suggest a possible link between excessive crying and ear infections. Whether such a link is causal or due to common underlying factors is still unknown. We recommend thorough ear examinations in children with symptoms compatible with infantile colic.</p> </sec> </abstract>