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Unexpected relationship between tympanometry and mortality in children with nontraumatic coma
Samson Gwer1, Eddie Chengo, Charles R J C Newton
1Department of Medical Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. samgwer@gmail.com
Pediatrics
|August 14, 2013
Summary
Abnormal tympanometry is linked to a higher risk of death in children with acute coma. This simple test may help predict outcomes in critically ill children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Tympanometry, a test of middle ear function, has an unexpected association with mortality in children with acute coma.
- Previous studies primarily focused on tympanic membrane displacement for intracranial pressure monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between tympanometry results and mortality in children with acute nontraumatic coma.
- To determine if abnormal tympanometry is a predictor of death in this population.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 72 children with acute nontraumatic coma in Kenya, excluding specific conditions.
- Performed tympanometry on the right ear prior to other measurements.
- Managed all children according to World Health Organization guidelines.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight percent of children died; 35% had normal tympanometry.
- Abnormal tympanometry was significantly associated with increased odds of death (adjusted odds ratio: 17.0; P = .01).
- Children who died had lower tympanometry compliance compared to survivors (P < .01).
Conclusions:
- Abnormal tympanometry is a significant predictor of mortality in children with acute nontraumatic coma.
- Further prospective studies with advanced monitoring are recommended to validate these findings.
