Otitis Media with Effusion: Effectiveness of Clinical Treatment Assessed with Tympanometry

Abstract

Objectives:

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common problem that generally affects children ages 6 months to 3 years. There are various otoscopic signs that indicate effusion, and the findings on tympanometry may help to diagnose OME. The aim of this ongoing study is to evaluate response to clinical treatment based on tympanometry.

Methods:

Prospective noncontrolled clinical assay of 25 patients with OME diagnosis, treated with oral antibiotics and nasal topical steroids from January 2013 to January 2014 in the otolaryngology department of Juiz de Fora Medical School in Brazil. The inclusion criteria were age from 2 to 12 years and signs of effusion on otoscopy and tympanometry. The exclusion criteria were antibiotic use during the previous month and history of chronic otologic disorder or congenital anomalies. The subjects were evaluated by tympanometry at the time of diagnosis and on day 30.

Results:

A total of 25 patients included 11 girls and 14 boys (3-15 years old). Of the 50 ears assessed at the time of diagnosis, 28 (56%) had curve B and 22 (44%) had curve C. After 30 days, only 8 ears (16%) remained with curve B, 12 (24%) had curve C and 30 (60%) had curve A.

Conclusions:

Tympanometric results show that oral antibiotics associated with nasal topical steroids was effective in treating OME. Although watchful waiting is a recommendation of guidelines, there was a need for antibiotics because of upper airway infection. In developing countries access to medical attention could limit frequent consultations and lead to higher morbidity of untreated children.