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Acute mastoiditis in infants

Ivan Baljosevic1, Nikola Mircetic, Vladan Subarevic

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mother and Child Health Institute, Radoja Dakica 6-8, 11070, Novi Beograd, Serbia and Montenegro. balos@net.yu

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|June 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Optimal treatment for acute mastoiditis in infants involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially in prolonged middle ear infections with worsening general symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute mastoiditis is a serious complication of acute otitis media, particularly in infants.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of combined antibiotic and surgical treatment for acute mastoiditis in infants.
  • To identify common clinical presentations and causative microorganisms.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 37 infants operated for acute mastoiditis between 2000-2004.
  • Analysis of clinical symptoms, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes.
  • Tympanocentesis performed prior to surgery in all patients.

Main Results:

  • Most common symptoms included blurred tympanic membrane, mastoid tenderness, fever, and weight loss.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen identified.
  • Combined antibiotic and surgical treatment yielded positive outcomes in all cases.

Conclusions:

  • The combination of antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention is the optimal approach for acute mastoiditis.
  • Consider acute mastoiditis in differential diagnosis for persistent acute otitis media unresponsive to antibiotics, especially with systemic symptoms.

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