Investigating the effects of ventilation tubes in children with recurrent ear infections

Ventilation Tubes for Recurrent Acute Otitis Media - Effects on Antibiotic Consumption and Otitis Media Episodes

Not applicable Interventional Lund University · NCT05348291

This study is testing if putting ventilation tubes in the ears of babies under one year old can help prevent them from getting repeated ear infections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 2 Years
SexAll
SponsorLund University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lund)
Trial IDNCT05348291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ventilation tubes in preventing recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) in children under one year of age. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ventilation tube surgery or active monitoring, with follow-ups every three months until age two and annually thereafter. The study will track the frequency of ear infections and antibiotic prescriptions, as well as assess the quality of life for the children involved. The study will also allow for crossover between groups if children in the monitoring group continue to experience frequent infections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under one year of age who have experienced recurrent acute otitis media.

Not a fit: Patients with chromosomal aberrations, cleft palate, or severe immune deficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of recurrent ear infections in young children, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar interventions, but this specific approach is being evaluated for the first time in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: At inclusion, children should be under 1 year of age and fulfil the internationally accepted definition of recurrent AOM, ie have had 3 episodes of AOM during the last 6 months, or 4 during the last 12 months.

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Exclusion Criteria: chromosomal aberrations, cleft palate or severe immune deficiency

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Where this trial is running

Lund

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Recurrent Acute Otitis Mediaventilation tubespreventionquality of lifeantibiotic treatmentotitis media with effusionaudiometrywatchful waiting
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.