Abstract
Objective: Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common in children, the role of race/socioeconomic status (SES) has not been evaluated. We describe the epidemiology of children with CRS in an urban pediatric otolaryngology clinic and evaluate demographic differences compared to a group representative of the general pediatric otolaryngology population.
Method: Observational study (retrospective cohort with comparison group) of all new/consult patients (March 3, 2008, to July 1, 2011) in an urban tertiary pediatric otolaryngology clinic with diagnosis of CRS. The comparison group consisted of all new/consult patients seen in the same clinic over a 3-month period. Records were evaluated for demographics/insurance. Characteristics were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: 177 children with CRS were compared to 430 control patients. Compared to the general pediatric otolaryngology population, children with CRS were younger (5.9 ± 4.8 vs 8.2 ± 4.4, P < .0001) and more commonly male (62% vs 52%, P = .025). Compared to controls, more children with CRS were white (CRS 77% white; 10% black; 13% other vs control 47% white; 33% black; 20% other, P < .0001). Likewise, children with CRS were less commonly insured with Medical Assistance (CRS 14% vs control 43%, P < .0001).
Conclusion: Compared to the general population of children seen in this setting, children with CRS were more likely to be white/privately insured. This study is the first to evaluate race/SES in relation to pediatric CRS. Future research should employ nationally representative data to assess true variation of demographic factors in children with CRS.
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