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Ophthalmic complications of otitis media in children

Travis J Pollock1, Peter Kim, Michael A Sargent

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Journal of AAPOS : the Official Publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|July 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ophthalmic complications from otitis media in children often include abducens nerve palsy. Prompt treatment with antibiotics, anticoagulation, and surgery led to favorable visual outcomes in all cases.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Otitis media is a common childhood infection.
  • Ophthalmic complications can arise from otitis media.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of ophthalmic complications in children with otitis media.
  • To identify common ophthalmic and associated complications.
  • To assess treatment strategies and their effectiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records.
  • Study period: August 2006 to March 2008.
  • Inclusion criteria: Children with ophthalmic complications of otitis media.

Main Results:

  • Seven pediatric patients (age 1-11) presented with ophthalmic complications of otitis media.
  • Abducens nerve palsy was present in all patients.
  • Other complications included papilledema, Horner syndrome, proptosis, mastoiditis, and cerebral venous thrombosis.
  • All patients received anticoagulation, intravenous antibiotics, and most underwent surgery (myringotomy, mastoidectomy).

Conclusions:

  • Abducens nerve palsy is a likely ophthalmic complication of otitis media in children.
  • Aggressive management including anticoagulation, antibiotics, and surgery is necessary.
  • Satisfactory visual and ocular motility outcomes were achieved in all cases.
Abstract

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