[Study on correlation between otitis media with effusion and tracheal intubation]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common condition, particularly in children.
• Long-term tracheal intubation is a medical intervention used in critically ill patients.
• Understanding factors contributing to OME in intubated patients is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with the development of otitis media with effusion (OME) in patients requiring prolonged endotracheal intubation.
• To identify specific clinical parameters and interventions that correlate with OME occurrence in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study comparing 47 patients with endotracheal intubation exceeding 7 days to 20 control patients.
• Analysis of relationships between OME and variables including age, gender, intubation method, duration, breathing patterns, consciousness, and gastric tube position.

Main Results:

• OME was diagnosed in 27 of 47 (57.4%) patients with long-term intubation, compared to none in the control group.
• Significant associations found between OME and ventilator use in PEEP mode, nasotracheal intubation, conscious disturbance, and intubation duration over 10 days.
• Higher OME rates were observed in patients with nasal compared to oral intake, and glucocorticoid use was linked to a decreased OME incidence.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged tracheal intubation (over 7 days) is associated with an increased incidence of OME.
• Specific factors such as PEEP ventilation, nasotracheal tubes, and altered consciousness are strongly linked to OME development.
• Glucocorticoid administration appears to mitigate the risk of OME in intubated patients.