Panel I-A Definition and Classification

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media in children—2018 update

“…There is no definite evidence about duration of "acute onset." The guidelines have adopted the definition of "no more than 3 weeks" since this is widely accepted [38] .…”

Etiology of Acute Otitis Media and Characterization of Pneumococcal Isolates After Introduction of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Japanese Children

“…The definition of prolonged OM includes acute onset, abnormal findings of tympanic membrane similar to AOM persisting for more than 3 weeks, and no appearance of signs of acute symptoms such as otalgia and fever. This state is called semi-hot ear (Sade 1979) or the state of subacute phase, as reported in the report of a research conference on recent advances in OME (Senturia et al 1980).  Refractory OM: The state in which symptoms and/or findings of the tympanic membrane persist or even become worse despite continuing infection treatment.…”

“…The duration of acute inflammation is commonly defined as not longer than three weeks, though no clear evidence serves as the basis for this definition. This guideline also adopts these common definitions (Senturia et al 1980). It should be noted that acute aggravation of chronic OM is excluded from these definitions because its pathological condition differs.…”

Evidence Assessment of Management of Acute Otitis Media: II. Research Gaps and Priorities for Future Research

“…Although readily recognized as a clinical condition, clinicians and researchers do not agree on a standard definition of AOM, even among often-cited sources. [1][2][3][4][5] In addition, 40% of articles reviewed by Hayden 6 did not describe the criteria by which the diagnosis of AOM was established. In the 26 articles that did describe criteria for the diagnosis of AOM, 18 unique criteria sets were found.…”