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Complications of otitis media: the importance of early recognition
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are important for the early diagnosis of intracranial and intratemporal complications of otitis media.
Study Design:
The study design was a retrospective follow-up study.
Setting:
The study took place at a tertiary referral center.
Patients:
The medical history of 23 patients with intracranial and intratemporal complications of otitis media was analyzed.
Interventions:
Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed.
Main Outcome Measures:
Age, initial diagnosis, final diagnosis, early presenting symptoms, otoscopic findings, time interval between the first manifestation of symptoms and the start of therapy, and follow-up status were measured.
Results:
In almost all patients, early symptoms included persisting fever and headache. High morbidity and mortality were correlated to a prolonged time interval between the early symptomatology and start of treatment. Doctor's delay was regarded as the most significant delaying factor.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis of otogenic complications of otitis media based on the early symptoms persisting fever and headache can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these complications.