Evaluation of inflammatory markers in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion: a retrospective analysis

Agah Yeniceri1, Cetin Sahutoglu2, Ibrahim Sevim2

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Science, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Universiteler Neighborhood 1604thStreet No.9, Ankara, 06800, Turkey. agahyeniceri@gmail.com.

Insights

Inflammatory markers like SII, SIRI, and MLR may be linked to pediatric otitis media with effusion (OME), but their diagnostic value needs more research. Further studies are essential for understanding their role in OME management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Immunology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent pediatric condition impacting hearing and quality of life.
  • Surgical intervention is common for OME, necessitating evaluation of associated factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clinical significance of inflammatory markers in pediatric OME patients undergoing surgery.
  • To compare inflammatory marker levels between OME patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 1,121 pediatric patients (2-15 years), including 613 OME cases and 508 controls.
  • Recorded complete blood count parameters, categorized effusion viscosity (serous/mucoid), and adenoid size.
  • Utilized statistical methods for group comparisons.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in %LUC, SII, SIRI, and MLR between OME patients and controls (p<0.05).
  • Higher SII, SIRI, MLR in OME group; higher %LUC in controls.
  • No significant cut-off values from ROC analysis; %LUC differed significantly by adenoid grade (p=0.018).
  • No correlation found between effusion viscosity and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory markers show potential association with pediatric OME.
  • Current clinical utility for diagnosis and follow-up remains uncertain.
  • Prospective studies are required to clarify the role of these markers.
Abstract