Related Experiment Videos
Insights
Adenoid removal is recommended for children with secretory otitis media (SOM). Bacterial infections were more common in SOM adenoids, suggesting a link between adenoid tissue and this condition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a common pediatric condition often associated with adenoid hypertrophy.
- The role of adenoid tissue, including microbial presence and histopathological changes, in the pathogenesis of SOM requires further elucidation.
- Understanding the microbial flora of adenoids in children with and without SOM is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological and microbiological differences in adenoid tissues from children with and without secretory otitis media (SOM).
- To determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in adenoids of children with SOM compared to controls.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for adenoidectomy in the management of pediatric SOM.
Main Methods:
- Adenoid specimens were collected from children undergoing adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy.
- Histopathological examination was performed on 23 adenoid specimens.
- Viral and bacterial cultures were conducted on 15 and 37 adenoid specimens, respectively, to identify microbial agents.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed no significant differences in adenoid tissue activity between children with and without SOM.
- All adenoid specimens tested were negative for viral infections.
- Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 6 out of 13 adenoids (46%) in children with SOM, compared to 3 out of 24 (12.5%) in children without SOM. Candida albicans was isolated rarely.
Conclusions:
- The increased isolation of pathogenic bacteria from adenoids of children with SOM suggests a potential role in the condition's development or persistence.
- Adenoidectomy should be considered for children diagnosed with secretory otitis media.
- Routine adenoid removal during tonsillectomy for tonsillitis or sore throats, without concurrent SOM, is not supported by these findings.
Abstract:
The adenoids of 23 children (12 with secretory otitis media and 11 without S.O.M. who had tonsillitis or sore throats) were submitted for histopathology. All specimens showed the usual adenoid pattern with no differences in activity. The adenoids of 15 children (6 with secretory otitis media and 9 without S.O.M. who had tonsillitis or sore throats) were examined for viruses. They were all negative. The adenoids of 37 children (13 with secretory otitis media and 24 without S.O.M. who had tonsillitis or sore throats) were examined for bacterial micro-organisms. In the adenoids of the 13 children with secretory otitis media pathogenic bacteria were isolated in 6 instances, while in the 24 adenoid specimens of children without secretory otitis media pathogenic bacteria were isolated on only 3 occasions. On only one occasion was Candida albicans isolated. It is concluded that adenoids should be removed in children with secretory otitis media, but not during routine removal of tonsils in children presenting with tonsillitis or sore throats.