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Intractable diarrhoea of infancy and latent otomastoiditis
Insights
Latent otomastoiditis was identified in infants with persistent diarrhea. Surgical intervention in some cases led to diarrhea cessation and weight gain, suggesting a link between this condition and intractable infant diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intractable diarrhea in infants poses significant health challenges.
- Latent infections can contribute to chronic pediatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of latent otomastoiditis in infants with intractable diarrhea.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical intervention for otomastoiditis in resolving intractable diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 infants diagnosed with intractable diarrhea.
- Identification of latent otomastoiditis through necropsy and myringotomy-antrotomy.
- Assessment of treatment outcomes, including diarrhea cessation and weight gain post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Latent otomastoiditis was detected in 9 out of 16 infants.
- Five of the six infants who underwent myringotomy-antrotomy experienced cessation of diarrhea and gained weight.
- Mastoiditis with diffuse osteitis was associated with a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Latent otomastoiditis may be a contributing factor to intractable infant diarrhea.
- Myringotomy-antrotomy is a potential treatment for intractable diarrhea, particularly in cases with leucocytosis and failure of other therapies.
- Diffuse osteitis in mastoiditis indicates a negative prognostic indicator in affected infants.
Abstract:
In 16 infants with intractable diarrhoea, latent otomastoiditis was found in 9 (3 at necropsy and 6 at myringotomy-antrotomy). In 5 of the 6 operated group, surgery was followed by a striking cessation of the diarrhoea and with weight gain. It is concluded that (1) latent otomastoiditis may be a perpetuating factor in intractable diarrhoea; (2) myringotomy-antrotomy should be considered if other forms of treatment have failed, and especially if there is leucocytosis; (3) mastoiditis with diffuse osteitis seems to be associated with a poor prognosis.