Acute otitis media with spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness.
• Spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation (STMP) can occur as a complication of AOM.
• The distinct characteristics and etiology of AOM with STMP are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on AOM with STMP.
• To investigate whether AOM with STMP represents a unique disease entity or a severe manifestation of AOM.
• To identify potential etiological factors and preventive strategies for AOM with STMP.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed.
• Keywords included "acute otitis media" and "othorrea" or "spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation".
• Studies published in English over the last 15 years focusing on infectious causes of perforation were included.

Main Results:

• Early Streptococcus pneumoniae infections and coinfections, particularly with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae and biofilm production, are implicated as precursors to STMP.
• The long-term outcomes of STMP episodes vary, with some children developing chronic suppurative otitis media while others resolve without complications.
• Specific etiological agents may increase the risk of AOM with STMP, but definitive conclusions require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• AOM with STMP may be associated with specific infectious agents.
• Further research is necessary to clarify whether AOM with STMP is a distinct disease or a severe form of AOM.
• Identifying effective preventive methods for children with recurrent AOM and STMP is crucial.