Learning Objectives: By using the population based database NHIRD, we can accurately report the epidemiology of pediatric otitis media with effusion with ventilation tube insertions as a surrogate. We can also conduct studies to find out risk factors and prevention methods for pediatric otitis media with effusion by using the population based database NHIRD.

Introduction: Otitis media with effusion is a very common pediatric otologic problem. We try to report the epidemiology of pediatric otitis media with effusion and common comorbidities by using ventilation tube insertions as a surrogate.

Methods: We retrieved study objects from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Databank (NHIRD). We analyzed characteristics and comorbidities of all children received ventilation tube insertion from July, 2000 to December 2009. We also analyzed the recurrent pattern by following the year 2000 and 2001 birth cohort for 8 or 9 years.

Results: From July, 2000 to December 2009, 11042 ventilation tube insertions were done in Taiwan. For all children received ventilation tube insertion, the mean age of tube insertion was 5.4 ± 3.3 years. Thirty six percent of them had concurrent adenoidectomy, 15.4% with cleft palate, 7% with Down syndrome. For 2000 and 2001 birth cohort, 1755 (0.393%) children received ventilation tube insertions and 111 (6.3%) had tube reinsertions before 8 or 9 years old.

Conclusion: We have around 1200 children received ventilation tube insertions in Taiwan, and a good portion of them had comorbidities such as cleft palate, Down syndrome. Six point seven percent of children may have tube reinsertions.