Is gastric reflux a cause of otitis media with effusion in children?
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Otitis media with effusion is the most common cause of childhood deafness. Gastroesophageal reflux has been implicated in the disease pathogenesis; therefore, it is necessary to identify the presence or absence of gastric juice in the middle ear. STUDY DESIGN: Middle ear effusions were collected from children undergoing myringotomy. If gastric reflux has occurred, effusions should contain pepsin protein. METHODS: Total pepsin/pepsinogen protein, fibrinogen, and albumin content of effusions were measured in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using antibodies to porcine pepsin, human albumin, and human fibrinogen. Proteolytic activity of each effusion was measured at pH 2. The pH of effusions was measured. RESULTS: Fifty-nine of 65 effusion samples gave a positive result with the antipepsin antibody, which also recognized pepsinogen. Pepsin/pepsinogen levels ranged from 0.8 to 213.9 microg/mL (serum reference levels, 49.8-86.6 ng/mL). All effusions contained albumi
