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Ear disease in children with cystic fibrosis
J Haddad1, C Gonzalez, G Kurland
1Department of Otolaryngology, Babies Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Insights
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a low prevalence of otitis media. This study found only 10% of pediatric CF patients had ear infections, suggesting CF may offer some protection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood infection.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects multiple organ systems, including potentially the upper airways.
- The relationship between CF and OM prevalence requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of otitis media in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
- To compare OM rates in pediatric CF patients to the general pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective prevalence survey was conducted.
- Seventy pediatric patients (4 months to 17 years) with confirmed cystic fibrosis were enrolled.
- Participants underwent ear, nose, and throat examinations, including pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry when indicated.
Main Results:
- Seven out of 70 (10%) pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis were diagnosed with otitis media.
- The otitis media cases observed were either unilateral or bilateral.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of otitis media in children with cystic fibrosis is notably low.
- Findings suggest that cystic fibrosis may be associated with a reduced risk of developing otitis media compared to healthy children.
Objective:
To assess otitis media in children with cystic fibrosis.
Design:
Prospective prevalence survey.
Setting:
Otolaryngology and cystic fibrosis/pulmonology outpatient clinics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pa), a regional referral center.
Patients:
Seventy patients, aged 4 months to 17 years, with documented cystic fibrosis who presented to the cystic fibrosis/pulmonary clinic with scheduled appointments were asked to volunteer for the study. The 70 patients recruited represent approximately one fourth of the children younger than 17 years with cystic fibrosis who were followed up by the cystic fibrosis/pulmonary clinic.
Intervention:
Ear, nose, and throat examination including pneumatic otoscopy, with tympanometry when indicated; relevant history taking.
Main Outcome Measure:
Presence or absence of otitis media.
Results:
Seven (10%) of the 70 patients had unilateral or bilateral otitis media.
Conclusions:
Children with cystic fibrosis have a low prevalence of otitis media compared with normal children.