Cytokines in children with otitis media with effusion

We assayed 38 middle ear effusions from 23 children aged 4–13 years (mean 7) undergoing tympanostomy tube placements. All fluid was assayed for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-8, and IL-10. Cytokine concentrations were measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Detectable levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 were found in all of the effusions. TNF-α was detected in 18 of the middle ear effusions (47.4%). The mean concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 was, respectively, 0.423 ± 1.39, 30.58 ± 68.7, 7001.9 ± 6743, and 56 ± 58.7 pg/ml. There was a strong, statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β (r = 0.87, P = 0.001) and between IL-1β and IL-8 (r = 0.53, P = 0.001). There was no correlation between the concentrations of IL-10 and other cytokines examined or between tympanic membrane pathology and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, or IL-10. The presence of IL-10 in middle ear effusions may be one of the causes of a lack of clinical features of acute inflammation and may lead to a chronic inflammatory state. Received: 25 August 1999 / Accepted: 5 January 2000     

Otoacoustic emissions in children with otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVES: Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are transmitted from the cochlea to the ear canal via the middle ear and the transmission properties of the middle ear directly influence OAE characteristics. The purpose of this study was to establish the mechanisms of changes occurred in middle ear by tympanometric, audiometric and OAE examination. METHODS: Audiometric and tympanometric examination were performed and otoacoustic emissions were recorded from 22 normal ears and 52 ears with middle ear effusions and repeated 3 months later. RESULTS: Results of the air conduction in study group were significantly different from the control group and we found significant recovery in 3 months. When we analysed the DPOAE evaluation results in our study, some of the DPOAE parameters were found to be different between the control and the study group at low frequencies. Changes in the amplitude, especially at low frequencies, were statistically significant after 3 months. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that measurement of otoacoustic emissions, especially distortion product otoacoustic emissions, is helpful in evaluating the condition of middle ear during the treatment.     

Epidemiological analysis of otitis media with effusion in children

A study was conducted on 153 children with otitis media with effusion to assess risk factors for otitis media with effusion. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, clinical examination and audiological tests including tympanography. We investigated two groups of children with otitis media with effusion. Group 1 consisted of 70 children with otitis media with effusion who had not undergone myringotomy. Group 2 consisted of 83 children with otitis media with effusion who had undergone myringotomy. Bottle feeding and adenoidal hypertrophy occurred more frequently in Group 2 than in Group 1. These observations provide an epidemiologic and clinical basis for further investigations of otitis media with effusion.     

Hearing acuity of children with otitis media with effusion

Hearing levels are reported for a cohort of 222 infants (aged 7 to 24 months) and 540 older children (aged 2 to 12 years) with otitis media with effusion (OME). The infants had an average speech awareness threshold of 24.6 dB hearing level (HL). The older group had mean bone conduction thresholds less than 10 dB HL, and air conduction thresholds averaged 27 dB HL; however, acuity was 7 dB less impaired at 2,000 Hz. The mean three-frequency pure tone average and speech reception threshold were 24.5 and 22.7 dB, respectively. Hearing acuity was not significantly related to age or previous duration of OME. The otoscopic observation of an air-fluid level or bubbles was associated with less hearing impairment; however, a predictive relationship between hearing levels and tympanogram characteristics could not be demonstrated.     

Craniofacial morphology and otitis media with effusion in children

Otitis media with effusion (OME) affects 28-38% of pre-school children, and it occurs due to the dysfunction of the auditory tube. Anatomical development of the auditory tube depends on the craniofacial growth and development. Deviations of normal craniofacial morphology and growth using cephalometric studies, may predict the evolution of otitis. Our goal in this paper is to determine if there are differences in craniofacial morphology between children with adenoid enlargement, with and without otitis media with effusion. This is a prospective study in which the sample consisted of 67 children (male and female) from 5 to 10 years old. All patients presented chronic upper airway obstruction due to tonsil and adenoid enlargement (>80% degree of obstruction). Thirty-three patients presented otitis media with effusion, for more than 3 months and 34 did not. The latter composed the control group. Standardized lateral head radiographs were obtained for all subjects. Radiographs were taken with patient positioned by a cephalostat and stayed with mandibles in centric occlusion and lips at rest. Radiographs were digitalized and specific landmarks were identified using a computer program Radiocef 2003, 5th edition. Measurements, angles and lines were taken of the basicranium, maxilla and mandible according to the modified Ricketts analysis. In addition, facial height and facial axis were determined. Children with otitis media with effusion present differences in the morphology of the face, regarding these measures: N-S (anterior cranial base length), N-ANS (upper facial height), ANS-PNS (size of the hard palate), Po-Or.N-Pog (facial depth), Ba-N.Ptm-Gn (facial axis), Go-Me (mandibular length) and Vaia--Vaip (inferior pharyngeal airway).     

咽喉反流与儿童分泌性中耳炎

咽喉反流是指胃内容物反流到食管上括约肌水平。分泌性中耳炎是儿童常见的疾病,可导致儿童听力损失和语言发育迟缓。近10年的研究支持咽喉反流与分泌性中耳炎有关系,但是咽喉反流引起分泌性中耳炎的确切病因机制尚未十分明确。本文对近期有关咽喉反流与儿童分泌性中耳炎相关性的文献进行检索与回顾,总结咽喉反流与儿童分泌性中耳炎相关性的最新进展。     

Predictors of outcome in children with otitis media with effusion

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the commonest cause of hearing impairment in young children. The fluctuating nature of the condition makes identification of those with persistent disease difficult without subjecting each child to a period of ‘watchful waiting’. The aim of this study was to determine if the outcome of this observation period could in any way be predicted. The study involved the retrospective analysis of 517 children, aged 3–15 years (mean 5 years and 4 months) in whom the diagnosis of OME had been established. All children had been subjected to an observation period before a decision on surgery was taken. There was a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss at presentation and after the period of observation. Sex was not a reliable predictor of outcome, but age less than 4 years and presentation in autumn or winter were associated with a poor audiometric outcome. This study identifies a predictive influence on the resolution of OME for these three factors and points the way for future research aimed at identifying the subgroup of children with OME who would benefit from early surgical intervention.     

儿童分泌性中耳炎的外科手术干预

目的探讨儿童分泌性中耳炎的手术干预方式，为儿童听力筛查中分泌性中耳炎患儿的干预措施选择提供临床资料。方法总结2004-2008年我院90例儿童分泌性中耳炎接受手术治疗且资料完整者45例（82耳）的年龄特点、听力下降时间、手术方式、手术前后听力状况比较。结果术前平均纯音听阈FrrA（pure-tone threshold average，500Hz，1000Hz，2000Hz，4000Hz听阈均值）从8dBHL-61dBHL，平均（34.8±12.09）dBHL。术后PTA从0dB HL-38dB HL，平均（15.9±7.88）dB HL，3耳术后听闯提高，4耳无改善，75耳听阈降低，占91.5％，平均听阈降低18.9dBHL。手术方式：鼓膜置管术9例，腺样体切除＋鼓膜置管术29例，腺样体切除＋扁桃体切除＋鼓膜置管术7例。结论腺样体切除＋鼓膜置管术是我们治疗儿童分泌性中耳炎的基本术式；扁桃体切除术不作为治疗分泌性中耳炎常规选择；对儿童分泌性中耳炎的术式选择应该个体化。     

儿童分泌性中耳炎危险因素分析

目的 探讨武汉市部分幼儿园儿童分泌性中耳炎的危险因素,并与相关文献分析比较.方法 调查武汉市部分幼儿园3～6岁的儿童,对其进行常规耳鼻咽喉科体检,电耳镜检查鼓膜结合声导抗测试,并问卷调查母亲牛育年龄、生产情况、喂养情况,家庭吸烟史,耳科病史,鼻漏,喷嚏,鼻塞,睡眠打鼾,扁桃体炎发作情况等.结果 144例分泌性中耳炎患儿和288例对照者进行危险因素统计学分析,发现鼻塞(OR=2.60,P=0.002),鼻涕(OR=1.442,P=0.003),硬腭高拱(OR=4.411,P＜0.0001),急性中耳炎病史(OR=1.77,P=0.025)是患病的危险因素.进行多因素同归分析后发现喂养情况(OR=0.746,P=0.047),鼻塞(OR=2.56,P=0.003),硬腭高拱(OR=4.35,P＜0.001),鼻炎(OR=1.397,P=0.098),急性中耳炎病史(OR=1.735,P=0.032)为分泌性中耳炎的影响因素.结论 中耳炎病史是分泌性中耳炎的危险因素.但急性扁桃体炎并不是分泌性中耳炎的危险因素,另外发现母乳喂养是分泌性中耳炎的保护因素.有急性中耳炎病史且经常鼻塞的儿童应定期进行耳鼻咽喉科体检.     

Rhinovirus RNA in children with longstanding otitis media with effusion

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies indicate that respiratory viruses may play a role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). OBJECTIVES: To study the presence of rhinovirus RNA in middle ear mucosa in children with OME without signs of present acute infection. METHODS: Eighteen children scheduled for tympanostomy tube placement due to longstanding OME were recruited and a biopsy of the promontory mucosa was obtained. In addition, adenoidectomy was performed for eight of these children and a biopsy of adenoid tissue was taken as well. The samples were collected from December to May. Rhinovirus RNA was studied by in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: Seven out of eight adenoid biopsies were positive for rhinovirus by ISH. However, rhinovirus RNA was not found in any of the 18 middle ear biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that children with longstanding OME do not have a rhinovirus infection in the middle ear mucosa, although the same children frequently harbor large amounts of rhinovirus RNA in their adenoid tissue.     

External ear resonance in children with otitis media with effusion

A middle ear effusion has been shown, in KEMAR, to increase the height of the resonant peak of the external auditory canal by 6 dB SPL. It has also been shown that the hearing impairment due to otitis media with effusion is related to the volume of middle ear fluid. Therefore, it was hypothesized that measurement of the height of the resonant peak of the external auditory canal could be used as a method of assessing the magnitude of any hearing impairment due to otitis media with effusion. 182 ears from 182 children aged 3–12 (mean 6.3) years were studied. Pure-tone audiometry and impedance tympanometry were performed, and the acoustics of the external auditory canal were measured using the Rastronics CCI-10 frequency response analyser. The mean height of the resonant peak (17.9 dB SPL) of children with a type A tympanogram was significantly different from the mean value (23.6 dB SPL) of those with a type B tympanogram. There was a significant correlation between the height of the resonant peak and the speech frequency average of the pure-tone thresholds. The sensitivity and specificity of using the height of the resonant peak to detect hearing impairments in different age groups were calculated and compared with the sensitivity and specificity of tympanometry. The test did not provide the same degree of sensitivity as tympanometry but was more specific. The additional advantages of the test are that it is quick, taking less than 1 min per ear, and is well tolerated by children in whom there was a 99% compliance. It is suggested that measurement of the height of the resonant peak of the external auditory canal holds potential as a quick and objective method of screening and monitoring the hearing impairment of children with otitis media with effusion.     

Pharyngeal reflux in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is an association between chronic otitis media (COM) with effusion and pharyngeal reflux in children by using 24-h pH monitoring with a dual probe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. The study group consisted of 25 children with COM with effusion and the control group comprised 12 healthy children. All children underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe (distal and proximal esophageal pH monitoring). RESULTS: In the study group, the frequencies of pharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were 48% and 64%, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 8.3% and 25%. Both of these differences were significant (p <0.05). In the study group, 28% of patients were positive for at least 1 symptom of GER; 72% of the patients did not have any symptoms but 56% of these patients had silent GER. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that pharyngeal reflux may play an important role in the etiology of COM with effusion. If patients have typical symptoms of GER, such as pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia and emesis, the presence of GER should be considered. The presence of silent GER and pharyngeal reflux should also be considered.     

Pharyngeal reflux in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

Objective—To investigate whether there is an association between chronic otitis media (COM) with effusion and pharyngeal reflux in children by using 24-h pH monitoring with a dual probe.

Material and Methods—This was a prospective study. The study group consisted of 25 children with COM with effusion and the control group comprised 12 healthy children. All children underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe (distal and proximal esophageal pH monitoring).

Results—In the study group, the frequencies of pharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were 48% and 64%, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 8.3% and 25%. Both of these differences were significant (p<0.05). In the study group, 28% of patients were positive for at least 1 symptom of GER; 72% of the patients did not have any symptoms but 56% of these patients had silent GER.

Conclusions—These findings indicate that pharyngeal reflux may play an important role in the etiology of COM with effusion. If patients have typical symptoms of GER, such as pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia and emesis, the presence of GER should be considered. The presence of silent GER and pharyngeal reflux should also be considered.     

Factors affecting resolution of otitis media with effusion in children

There is only limited knowledge of the factors which influence the outcome of otitis media with effusion in children in the long-term. This randomized controlled study assessed the therapeutic effect of adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy during a 5-year follow-up. Numerous pre-treatment independent variables concerning the child's upper and lower respiratory tract, atopic status and parental habits were assessed in relation to two dependent outcome measures. These were otoscopic clearance of effusion and no peak/peak tympanometric change. A total of 222 children was studied and reviewed annually for 5 years. Four of 43 independent variables were found to be repeatedly significant in relation to outcome: (a) whether or not adenoidectomy was performed; (b) age at operation; (c) history of earache prior to operation; and (d) parental smoking habits. The results provide further evidence of a beneficial effect of adenoid removal and the importance of the age at which surgery is advised. They also suggest the need to investigate further the relationship of superadded acute suppurative otitis media with otalgia and the outcome of chronic otitis media with effusion. Finally, avoidance of parental smoking will have a beneficial effect on children's middle ear disease.     

儿童分泌性中耳炎的诊断和治疗

分泌性中耳炎(otitis media with effusion,OME),是指不伴有耳部急性感染症状和体征的中耳积液[1].该病在小儿耳鼻咽喉科临床中较常见,是儿童听力障碍和言语发育迟缓的常见原因.一般认为,小儿OME的发生与咽鼓管结构和功能不良、微生物(细菌、病毒、衣原体等)感染、免疫反应等有关.近来也有研究提示胃食管反流是其可能病因[2].比较本定义于传统分泌性中耳炎的描述,我们不难发现其中的差异.传统观念认为,分泌性中耳炎是以中耳积液及听力下降为主要特征的中耳非化脓性炎性疾病[3],本定义强调不伴有耳部急性感染症状,意味着无耳痛、发热等症状.这些症状(耳痛、发热)的缺失,正是儿童OME发病隐匿、诊断困难的原因.     

婴幼儿中耳炎的听力学特征分析

目的 分析婴幼儿中耳炎的听力学特征,探讨多种听力学测试方法在婴幼儿中耳炎的诊断和干预中的作用.方法 收集2004年12月至2007年6月由外院转入本院进行听力学诊断性检查后确诊或高度怀疑中耳炎的56例婴幼儿患者(男加例,女16例).初诊年龄为42 d至3岁,平均为5个月.患儿在完成耳鼻咽喉科常规检查后,进行了多种听力学测试方法联合诊断,包括听性脑干反应(ABR)、耳声发射(OAE)、鼓室声导抗测试(226和1000 Hz探测音),4例患儿完成了小儿行为测听.结果 56例(112耳)中有87耳诊断为中耳炎,31例为双侧,25例为单侧.56例中有49例在出生后3 d内进行了新生儿听力筛查,其中36例初筛未通过;42 d时行进一步筛查的有52例(其中有3例未行初筛直接进行了复筛),显示均为未通过.4例患儿未经过听力筛查,为家长发现听力不佳来诊.52例(104耳)进行了226 Hz鼓室声导抗测试,其中20例(28耳)鼓室图B型或c型;39例(78耳)进行了1000 Hz鼓室声导抗测试,其中38例(55耳)出现异常;56例(112耳)进行了ABR检查,其中49例(74耳)出现ABR的波I潜伏期延长;56例(112耳)进行了OAE测试,其中55例(81耳)未通过;4例(8耳)完成了小儿行为测听,均出现骨、气导差.结论 联合应用226 Hz及1000 Hz鼓室声导抗测试、ABR潜伏期及阈值测试、小儿行为测听、OAE测试多种方法能够发现婴幼儿中耳炎的特征性表现,在早期诊断中具有帮助.     

Middle ear pressures of children with otitis media with effusion

Middle ear (ME) pressures were measured in 30 children with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) transtubally with the use of a catheter pressure transducer (Mikro-tip, PC-330F). They were found to range from 40 to -185 mm H2O, the average being mildly negative (-54.33 +/- 59.04 mm H2O). About two thirds of these children had pulsating changes of ME pressure; the range of the pressure change was between 10 and 50 mm H2O. The ME pressure tended to be lower in ears with serous effusion than in those with mucoid effusion, but there was no significant difference between them.