Recurrent otitis media and iron deficiency anemia in autism

Background
Acute otitis media (AOM) is common in children and may become recurrent (ROM) or chronic if untreated. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher incidence of otitis media, but diagnosis is often delayed due to communication challenges. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), prevalent among ASD children, impairs immune function and may increase the risk of recurrent infections.
Objective
This study aims to evaluate the association between IDA and ROM in ASD children, hypothesizing that IDA increases the risk of ROM in this vulnerable group.
Materials and methods
A complete blood count and serum ferritin levels were assessed in 70 autistic children who had been diagnosed with recurrent otitis media by history taking, otoscopic and tympanometry examination. Iron deficiency anemia was found to be statistically significant with recurrent otitis media.
Results and Conclusion
In those 70 autistic children, children with recurrent otitis media (ROM) exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin levels, more severe anemia, lower mean hematocrit value (MCV), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) compared to autistic children without ROM. These findings suggest that ROM is associated with more apparent hematological alterations, possibly due to chronic inflammation or nutritional deficiencies.
According to the results, iron deficiency anemia may be a risk factor for this prevalent illness in infancy and childhood and raises the likelihood that autistic children may experience recurrent episodes of ear infections. Therefore, it is recommended that every autistic child, diagnosed with acute otitis media episodes, to have their hemoglobin level assessed. Also, Iron deficiency anemia correction is a successful supplementary therapeutic option for reducing otitis media recurrence.