Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Trends in Microtia and Anotia Care

This study aims to investigate the effects of ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic differences on outcomes for patients undergoing surgical management for microtia or anotia in the United States. Using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, 2928 patients presenting for primary microtia or anotia reconstruction between 2017 and 2023 were analyzed. The majority of patients were non-White (55.2%, 1617/2928), with a significant proportion identifying as Hispanic/Latino (48.5%, 1421/2928). Non-White patients were more likely to present at a later age for surgery (10.8 versus 9.4 y; P=0.036), reside in urban areas (90.4% versus 82.2%, P<0.01), and live in households with incomes below the national median (71.7% versus 69.1%; P=0.13). Similarly, Hispanic/Latino patients presented at an older age (10.7 versus 9.0 y; P<0.01), were more frequently located in urban areas (90.6% versus 82.6%; P<0.01), and more likely to live in households with incomes below the national median (79.2% versus 61.8%; P<0.01). In the United States, the majority of patients presenting for primary reconstruction of microtia or anotia are non-White and Hispanic/Latino. This suggests an increased prevalence in these populations. Non-White and Hispanic/Latino patients are more likely to live in households with incomes below the national median and are more likely to present at a later age for primary reconstructive procedures. Multidisciplinary care teams should prioritize the development and implementation of targeted outreach programs to improve timely access to care for at-risk populations.