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Co-morbidities in children presenting with chronic suppurative otitis media--a South African study
Ute M Hallbauer1, Mark D Atkins2, Nicholas J Tiedt3
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa hallbute@ufs.ac.za.
Insights
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in children often presents with co-existing conditions. Early diagnosis of these associated pathologies is crucial for effective CSOM management and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Public health in Southern Africa
Background:
- Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a prevalent childhood illness in Southern Africa.
- Co-morbidities significantly impact the resolution timeline of CSOM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of associated pathologies in children diagnosed with CSOM.
- To highlight the importance of diagnosing co-morbidities for optimal CSOM management.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of children under 13 years with otorrhoea exceeding 4 weeks.
- Comprehensive clinical examinations, including blood counts and HIV/CD4 testing for infected children.
Main Results:
- 86 children were included; 54.2% were HIV-infected, with 37.8% of these being underweight.
- Cholesteatoma was found in 20.4% of ears, and 10.5% of children experienced serious complications.
- Over half the children (53.4%) presented with non-aural related clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of children with CSOM exhibit associated pathologies.
- Thorough diagnosis of these co-existing conditions is essential for effective CSOM treatment.
Background:
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is common among children in southern Africa. Managing associated co-morbidities may result in earlier disease resolution.
Methods:
Children <13 years of age with otorrhoea lasting >4 weeks were recruited to the study. Each child underwent a full clinical examination, a blood count, an HIV test and CD4 cell count, if found to be infected.
Results:
The study included 86 children, and the median age was 4.6 years. HIV infection was present in 45 of 83 children (54.2%), of which 23 (51.1%) were receiving antiretroviral treatment at the time of presentation. Underweight was present in 22 of 85 (25.9%) children and in 17 of the 45 (37.8%) HIV-infected children. One or more clinical signs (not aural-related) were found in 46 of 86 (53.4%) children. Cholesteatoma was found in 23 of 113 (20.4%) ears, and 9 of 86 (10.5%) children had serious associated aural or intracranial complications.
Conclusions:
A high percentage of children with CSOM have associated pathology that needs to be diagnosed to optimally manage CSOM.
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