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Impact of Ventilation Tubes on Pediatric Otitis Media Outcomes: A Retrospective Study From Saudi Arabia
Muhanna A Alhusayni1, Reem A Alotaibi1, Naif H AlSufyani1
1College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU.
Insights
Ventilation tubes (VTs) effectively treat middle ear effusions in children, reducing ear infections and improving hearing. Careful follow-up ensures optimal outcomes for pediatric patients with acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Middle Ear Disease Management
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) are prevalent pediatric conditions impacting hearing and development.
- Persistent middle ear effusions necessitate interventions like ventilation tubes (VTs) to facilitate drainage and pressure equalization.
- VTs can decrease the recurrence rate of AOM in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ventilation tubes (VTs) in managing acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in pediatric patients.
- To assess symptom relief and complication rates associated with VT insertion for middle ear effusions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 388 pediatric patients (ages 2-12) from August 2021 to February 2024.
- Data collected included demographics, tympanometry, treatment outcomes, and surgical interventions.
- Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with descriptive statistics for categorical variables.
Main Results:
- Tympanometry revealed a high prevalence of type B tympanograms (bilateral 64.4%, unilateral 35.6%).
- Adenoid enlargement (86.70%) and allergic rhinitis (92.61%) were common comorbidities.
- Surgical interventions included myringotomy with Shah tube (46.31%) and Shepard tube (38.42%), with rare complications and high symptom relief rates (88.18% complete relief).
Conclusions:
- Ventilation tubes (VTs) demonstrate effectiveness in managing pediatric AOM and OME, achieving significant symptom resolution.
- High rates of symptom relief were observed post-VT insertion, highlighting their therapeutic value.
- Optimizing outcomes requires careful consideration of potential risks and diligent postoperative follow-up.
Introduction:
Acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) are common in children, often leading to hearing loss and developmental delay. Ventilation tubes (VTs) manage persistent middle ear effusions by draining fluid and reducing pressure, which can decrease AOM recurrence.
Methodology:
This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of 388 pediatric patients at King Faisal Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia, from August 2021 to February 2024. Data on demographics, tympanometry results, treatment outcomes, and surgical interventions were collected. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Categorical variables were reported as numbers and percentages, with descriptive statistics applied.
Results:
Among 388 children aged 2 to 12 years, girls predominated (56.2%). Tympanometry revealed bilateral type B in 64.4% and unilateral type B in 35.6%. After three months of observation and treatment, 47.6% were relieved, while 52.4% had persistent type B. Most cases were newly diagnosed (95.07%). Adenoid enlargement was observed in 86.70%, allergic rhinitis in 92.61%, and adeno-tonsillar enlargement in 68.47%. Surgical interventions included myringotomy only (15.27%), myringotomy with Shah tube (46.31%), and Shepard tube (38.42%). Complications were rare, with 88.18% achieving complete symptom relief and 4.93% partial relief during postoperative follow-up at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.
Conclusion:
VT effectively manages AOM and OME in children, with high rates of symptom relief. However, careful consideration of risks and follow-up is essential to optimize outcomes.
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