Acute mastoiditis in Greenland between 1994-2007.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Epidemiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Arctic indigenous populations experience high rates of middle ear infections, including acute otitis media (AOM) and chronic otitis media.
• Acute mastoiditis, a severe AOM complication in children, presents with postauricular swelling and can lead to intracranial issues.
• No prior epidemiological data on acute mastoiditis existed for the Arctic region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of acute mastoiditis in Greenland.
• To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of acute mastoiditis in Greenland.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of the WHO ICD-10 code DH70.0 was conducted using the National Greenland Inpatient Register (1994-2007).
• Medical records of 11 patients diagnosed with acute mastoiditis were reviewed.
• Clinical signs of acute mastoiditis served as the diagnostic inclusion criterion.

Main Results:

• The incidence rate of acute mastoiditis in Greenland was calculated at 1.4 per 100,000 population, and 7.4 per 100,000 for children aged 0-10 years.
• The median age of affected patients was 14 months, with 72% being female.
• Seven patients were treated with antibiotics, three required additional ear surgery, and severe complications like facial nerve paralysis, meningitis, cerebellar abscess, and lateral sigmoid sinus thrombosis were noted in some cases.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of acute mastoiditis in Greenland is comparable to global rates.
• Acute otitis media is more prevalent in young children in Greenland.
• Immediate treatment with intravenous antibiotics and timely surgery if needed are essential for managing acute mastoiditis.