Recurrent acute otitis media in infants--role of immune complexes acquired in utero.

Ten infants experiencing recurring episodes of acute otitis media with associated otitis media with effusion while on human breast milk afford a study of the role of possible immune complexes acquired in utero through the mother's allergic diathesis. Seven of the 10 children were on the breast when first seen. Challenge feeding tests determined the mothers' hypersensitivities. Those infants breast fed by mothers exhibiting positive challenges to specific foods, manifest allergic responses themselves following the first breast feeding after the mothers' challenge. A cessation of episodes of AcOM and OME occurred in five of the series as foods proven to be offenders were eliminated from the mother's and child's diet. Degrees of failure were experienced in the remainder, varying as to the severity and cause.