Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

The WinCF Model - An Inexpensive and Tractable Microcosm of a Mucus Plugged Bronchiole to Study the Microbiology of Lung Infections
Published on: May 8, 2017
Low prevalence of middle ear disease in cystic fibrosis patients
Luciana Martins1, Roberto E S Guimarães, Helena M G Becker
1Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of middle ear alterations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
Methods:
In this descriptive study, 120 CF patients aged 5 months to 18 years were assessed by clinical history, otoscopy, and tympanometry. Data on P. aeruginosa colonization and parenteral and/or inhaled aminoglycoside use were also collected from medical charts.
Results:
Clinical history revealed absence of previous otitis media in 57% of patients. Tympanic membranes were normal in 94% of patients who underwent otoscopic evaluation; chronic otitis media was suggested in about 1% of the cases, otitis media with effusion (OME) in 2%, and Eustachian tube dysfunction in 3%. As for tympanometry, 91% of patients who underwent the exam showed normal results, OME was suggested in 2% of the cases, and Eustachian tube dysfunction in 7%.
Conclusion:
There was a low prevalence rate of middle ear alterations in our series of CF patients. The use of aminoglycosides and colonization by P. aeruginosa did not influence the prevalence of middle ear alterations. Our results suggest that a detailed clinical history and a routine otoscopy evaluation may confirm or rule out most middle ear alterations in CF patients.
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

