This prospective longitudinal twin study is designed to determine the genetic component in otitis media (OM) by comparing the concordance rate of OM in mono- and dizygotic (MZ and DZ) twins. Like-sex twin pairs are enrolled as newborns and are examined at monthly intervals. At each monthly visit an interval history is obtained and middle ear status and hearing sensitivity (every two months) are assessed. Zygosity testing is performed at age one year and consists of extensive red blood cell marker and enzyme determination which gives a probability of greater than 0.99 for monozygosity in completely concordant pairs. The advantages of this study design are two-fold. First, the use of twins allows for separation of genetic and environmental factors in predisposition to OM. Second, the prospective aspect allows for the accurate assessment of disease state and eliminates dependency on recalled information. In addition, in this unique cohort of children with documentation of middle ear status since birth, the heritability of immune status can also be assessed and information gained will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis, complications and sequelae of the disease. Should a substantial genetic component be defined, this study would make a significant clinical contribution by influencing the primary care physician to identify the siblings and offspring of affected patients as """"""""high risk"""""""" cases. Closer surveillance of patients at risk for OME could result in earlier detection, treatment and avoidance of possible developmental problems. Additionally the study design will also provide the incidence, prevalence, and natural history of OME in this young population.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hosp Pittsburgh/Upmc Health Sys
Department
Type
DUNS #
044304145
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15224
Doyle, William J; Swarts, J Douglas (2010) Eustachian tube-Tensor veli palatini muscle-cranial base relationships in children and adults: an osteological study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 74:986-90
Doyle, William J; Yuksel, Sancak; Banks, Juliane et al. (2007) Directional asymmetry in the measured nitrous oxide time constant for middle ear transmucosal gas exchange. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 116:69-75
Doyle, William J (2007) The mastoid as a functional rate-limiter of middle ear pressure change. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 71:393-402
Li-Korotky, Ha-Sheng; Kelly, Lori A; Piltcher, Otavio et al. (2007) Evaluation of microbial RNA extractions from Streptococcus pneumoniae. J Microbiol Methods 68:342-8
Chad Kanick, S; Kasi, Sundeep; Douglas Swarts, J et al. (2006) Accuracy of CO2 conductance predicted using a morphometric model of the middle ear mucosa. Acta Otolaryngol 126:1252-9
Yuksel, Sancak; Doyle, William J; Banks, Juliane et al. (2005) Nasal prostaglandin challenge increases N2O exchange from blood to middle ear. Auris Nasus Larynx 32:29-32
Kanick, Stephen Chad; Doyle, William J; Ghadiali, Samir N et al. (2005) On morphometric measurement of oxygen diffusing capacity in middle ear gas exchange. J Appl Physiol 98:114-9
Chen, Anton; Li, Ha-Sheng; Hebda, Patricia A et al. (2005) Gene expression profiles of early pneumococcal otitis media in the rat. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 69:1383-93
Casselbrant, Margaretha L; Mandel, Ellen M; Rockette, Howard E et al. (2004) The genetic component of middle ear disease in the first 5 years of life. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 130:273-8
Li-Korotky, Ha-Sheng; Swarts, J Douglas; Hebda, Patricia A et al. (2004) Cathepsin gene expression profile in rat acute pneumococcal otitis media. Laryngoscope 114:1032-6

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