No data have been reported, to our knowledge, on the duration of episodes of otorrhea in children with tympanostomy tubes. In a prospective study of child development in relation to early-life otitis media (OM) we monitor a diverse (low-SES urban, mixed-SES small town/rural, middle-class suburban) cohort of children closely for OM from age ≤2 mo. Those who develop specified minimum cumulative durations of OM within the first 3 yr of life are randomized, subject to consent, to receive tube placement either promptly or after a defined extended period if OM persists. Episodes of tube otorrhea are treated with systemic and/or topical antimicrobials, and aural toilet as feasible. We report here data on otorrhea following initial tube placement(176 bilateral; 3 unilateral) at ages 6 to 49 mo in 179 randomized children followed for ≥6 mo without intervals >90 days between visits. Tube tenure and durations of episodes of otorrhea were estimated from (usually) monthly scheduled visits and interpolations for intervals between visits. The mean (SD) tenure of individual tubes was 13.9 (6.9) mo. Proportions of children with tubes who developed ≥1 episode of otorrhea, according to study site grouping and time frame after tube placement, were:Table Maximum numbers of episodes of otorrhea/child were 4 in 6 mo, 6 in 12 mo, and 7 in 24 mo. Mean duration of episodes was 16.2 days, median was 10 days, and range was 3 to 131 days. Duration was >30 days in 12.9% of 295 episodes. We conclude that tube otorrhea develops commonly in young children, that its prevalence varies inversely with SES; and that it often persists for lengthy periods despite treatment.

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