Acute mastoiditis in children: a 10-year retrospective and validated multicenter study

High risk and low prevalence diseases: Acute mastoiditis

INTRODUCTION

Acute mastoiditis is a serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of mastoiditis, including the presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.

DISCUSSION

Acute mastoiditis most commonly affects pediatric patients and is a suppurative infection of the mastoid air cells. It is often associated with otitis media, and common bacteria include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. History and examination may reveal tympanic membrane erythema, pinna protrusion, postauricular erythema, mastoid tenderness with palpation, external canal swelling, otorrhea, fever, and malaise. The disease should be suspected in those who fail treatment for otitis media and those who demonstrate the aforementioned abnormalities on examination and systemic symptoms. Laboratory analysis may reveal evidence of systemic inflammation, but a normal white blood cell count and other inflammatory markers should not be used to exclude the diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones with intravenous contrast is the recommended imaging modality if the clinician is unsure of the diagnosis. CT may also demonstrate complications. Treatment includes antibiotics such as ampicillin-sulbactam or ceftriaxone as well as otolaryngology consultation. Complications may include subperiosteal and intracranial abscess, deep neck abscess, facial nerve palsy, meningitis/encephalitis, venous sinus thrombosis, and seizures.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of acute mastoiditis can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

[Increased rate of complications of pediatric acute otitis media and sinusitis in 2022/2023]

BACKGROUND

Acute mastoiditis and orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis are among the most common complications of pediatric infections in otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of pediatric acute mastoiditis in the setting of acute otitis media as well as pediatric orbital complications in the setting of acute rhinosinusitis. Data from before the pandemic were compared to data after the end of the COVID-19 restrictions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Included were hospitalized children who presented with acute mastoiditis from acute otitis media or with orbital complications from acute rhinosinusitis during the period from April 2017 to March 2023. Compared were three periods using descriptive statistics: April 2017 to March 2020 (before the pandemic in Germany), April 2020 to March 2022 (during the contact restrictions of the pandemic), and April 2022 to March 2023 (after the contact restrictions were lifted).

RESULTS

A total of 102 children (43 with acute mastoiditis, 42%, and 59 with orbital complications of acute sinusitis, 58%) were included. During the 2022/2023 period, more than twice as many children with acute mastoiditis and approximately three times as many children with orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis were hospitalized compared to the average of the periods 2017/2018, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020. In the 2021/2022 period, the number of these patients was below the average of previous years.

CONCLUSION

This year's seasonal cluster of upper respiratory tract infections is associated with a higher-than-average incidence of orbital complications and mastoiditis.

Acute mastoiditis in cochlear implanted children: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is the most common complication of acute otitis media and primarily affects children under the age of two; current data on its prevalence in paediatric patients with cochlear implant (CI) are still scant. Proper management of AM in CI children is crucial in order to avoid the implications (financial and emotional) of an explant. Aim of this paper is to describe the cases of AM occurred among young patients with CI in follow up at our department, also in order to evaluate its prevalence, potential predisposing factors, clinical course and therapeutic strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study. Medical records of all paediatric patients with CI, who had at least one year of follow-up, were searched aiming to identify those who developed AM, from January 1st 2002 to January 31st 2022. The following data were collected and analysed: demographic features, implant type and side, interval between CI surgery and AM, treatment, laboratory tests, clinical course, vaccination history, associated diseases.

RESULTS

AM was developed by six (1.3%) of the 439 children with CI (541 implanted ears). In total, 9 episodes (2.05 %) were recorded, as three patients reported two consecutive infections. Average time interval between CI surgery, to the first or only AM diagnosis, was 13.8 months (range 3-30 months). Furthermore, 3/6 of patients had a history of recurrent acute otitis media; 2/6 an autism spectrum disorder, associated to a combined immune deficiency in one case. All patients were hospitalized and promptly treated by intravenous antibiotic therapy; 4/6 also underwent a mastoidectomy. CI was not explanted in any cases of this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 20-year period, AM rate in CI children was 1.3%, which is consistent with the current literature rates of 1-4.7%. All cases were successfully treated, preserving the integrity of the device. In our experience, the early parenteral antibiotic therapy and, when necessary, surgical treatment were adequate to eradicate the infection.

Otogenic Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis in Children: A Narrative Review

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare entity that remains a diagnostic challenge due to various clinical manifestations and a wide variety of causative agents. Local infections, such as acute (AOM) or chronic otitis media, can play a role in the pathogenesis of CVT. The proximity of the tympanic cavity and temporal bone air cells to the dural venous sinuses predisposes them to secondary thrombosis. The release of inflammatory cytokines and activation of the coagulation pathway in the middle ear space in response to infection may trigger the thrombotic mechanism in venous sinuses of the central nervous system. There is no consensus in the literature concerning the treatment of otogenic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Both the extent of the surgery and the use of anticoagulants are disputable. The aim of the study was to provide a thorough analysis of the literature concerning CVST in patients with AOM and acute mastoiditis (AM). The current surgical and conventional treatment strategies are presented. Special attention has been attached to the predisposing factors, the extent of the surgery, and the role of anticoagulants in the treatment of septic otogenic CVST.

Surgical management of mastoiditis with intratemporal and intracranial complications in children. Outcome, complications, and predictive factors

INTRODUCTION

Intratemporal or intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis are often of significant severity, can be life-threatening, and require prompt and usually aggressive treatment. This study focused on analyzing the outcomes and complications of different surgical techniques used in intracranial and intratemporal complications of acute mastoiditis, the most common complication of acute otitis media.

METHODS

A retrospective study of pediatric patients with mastoiditis with intratemporal and intracranial complications was designed at the Niño Jesús University Children's Hospital in Madrid, Spain, from 2005 to 2021.

RESULTS

Of 417 patients with mastoiditis, 112 patients developed intratemporal and intracranial complications, with subperiosteal abscess being the most frequent complication. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum. The most used surgical technique was myringotomy with placement of transtympanic drainage, in 86.6% of all cases. In patients with intracranial complications, neurosurgical procedures were necessary for 19.2%, with craniotomy with mastoidectomy being the most frequent. Most of the cases evolved favorably, and only 5.4% of the patients required surgical reintervention, being more frequent in intratemporal complications. In terms of complications, we found cases of neutropenia in 3.6%, neurological sequelae in 5.4%, and permanent hearing loss in 2.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a favorable evolution with a low incidence of reoperation and sequelae within our series. The surgical technique of choice correlated with the severity of the complication. If the mean size of the abscess exceeds 20 mm, incision and drainage, along with myringotomy and tube placement, should be considered as the initial treatment. Closed mastoidectomy should be reserved for deteriorating of clinical evolution or acute mastoiditis with intracranial complications. Intracranial and multiple concomitant complications were associated with a more extended hospital stay, ICU occupancy, neurosurgical intervention, and risk of neurological sequelae and neutropenia. Conversely, intratemporal complications may result in permanent hearing loss.

Management of Acute Complicated Mastoiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment options for the most frequently reported complications of acute mastoiditis in the English literature. PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched from database inception through March 29, 2019.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers (M.R.K., K.S.) evaluated search results for study inclusion. References cited in publications meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Twenty-three included studies were published from 1998 through 2018. Treatment efficacy was determined by comparing the change in number of complication subtypes in each treatment subgroup (medical, conservative, or surgical) from admission to discharge (range: 5-30 days) or postdischarge follow-up (range: 1-27.5 months) with a random effects model.

RESULTS

Among 733 identified articles, 23 met inclusion criteria. Of the 883 included patients, 203 were managed medically (23%), 300 conservatively (34%) and 380 surgically (43%). Conservative patients had more extracranial complications (ECC, P = 0.04) and intratemporal complications (IT, P = 0.04) at follow-up compared with medical patients. Medical patients had more total number of complications (TNC, P = 0.03), ECC (P = 0.02), and IT (P = 0.01) at discharge compared with surgical patients. Conservative patients had more of all complications except intracranial/extracranial abscess and "other" at discharge and follow-up compared with surgical patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There were larger reductions in TNC, ECC, and IT at discharge and follow-up among surgical patients compared with medical and conservative patients. There were greater reductions in TNC, ECC, IT, intracranial complications, subperiosteal abscess and lateral sinus thrombosis at discharge and follow-up among surgical patients compared with conservative patients.

Case report: Otitis media with subsequent mastoiditis and cerebral herniation in a patient with Arnold chiari malformation

We present the case of a 13-year-old boy who unexpectedly needed to be resuscitated at home after an assumed uncomplicated otitis media. Imaging at our clinic showed mastoiditis and a cystoid mass in the left cerebellopontine angle compressing the brainstem, as well as an Arnold-Chiari-Malformation. Both the laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and surgical biopsy with pathological evaluation of the mastoid supported the inflammatory etiology of the mass. Microbiologically, Streptococcus intermedius was detected in the blood culture and CSF. Due to brain death, which most likely already existed preclinically, the organs were released for donation during the course. Our case demonstrates a very rare lethal complication of acute otitis media on the basis of a cerebral malformation and emphasizes the need to stay alert when patients complain of symptoms after assumed resolution.

Acute paediatric mastoiditis in the UK before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national observational study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the management and outcomes of acute paediatric mastoiditis across the UK.

DESIGN

National retrospective and prospective audit.

SETTING

48 UK secondary care ENT departments.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive children aged 18 years or under, referred to ENT with a clinical diagnosis of mastoiditis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cases were divided into Period 1 (01/11/19-15/03/20), before the UK population were instructed to reduce social contact, and Period 2 (16/03/20-30/04/21), following this. Periods 1 and 2 were compared for population variables, management and outcomes. Secondary analyses compared outcomes by primary treatment (medical/needle aspiration/surgical).

RESULTS

286 cases met criteria (median 4 per site, range 0-24). 9.4 cases were recorded per week in period 1 versus 2.0 in period 2, with no winter increase in cases in December 2020-Febraury 2021. Patient age differed between periods 1 and 2 (3.2 vs 4.7 years respectively, p < 0.001). 85% of children in period 2 were tested for COVID-19 with a single positive test. In period, 2 cases associated with P. aeruginosa significantly increased. 48.6% of children were scanned in period 1 vs 41.1% in period 2. Surgical management was used more frequently in period 1 (43.0% vs 24.3%, p = 0.001). Treatment success was high, with failure of initial management in 6.3%, and 30-day re-admission for recurrence in 2.1%. The adverse event rate (15.7% overall) did not vary by treatment modality or between periods 1& 2.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant change in the presentation and case mix of acute paediatric mastoiditis in the UK.

Medical and surgical characteristics of fusobacterium necrophorum mastoiditis in children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare characteristics of Fusobacterium necrophorum mastoiditis (FnM) to characteristics of acute mastoiditis (AM) caused by other bacteria in tertiary children hospital Methods : Children with FnM (N=43) and non FnM (N=88). Assess medical, microbiologic and imaging characteristics, surgical findings and postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

Children with FnM had a positive history of otitis media, ear discharge and sub-periosteal abscess (p=0.0004, 0.09, 0.0003, respectively) at presentation. Their temperature, WBC and CRP were significantly higher (39.8 vs. 37.9, 19.4K vs. 16.1K, 21 vs. 8.7, p=0.0001). Positive culture was found in 46% of patients; 64% were diagnosed by PCR. CT scan was indicated in 95% and surgical intervention in 93% of children with FnM, compared to 15% and 9.7% of children in the non-FnM group (p=0.0001). Complex post-operative course was frequent for the FnM group: 88% of children had persistent fever, 46% had additional imaging and 14% additional surgical intervention. Children with FnM were treated with IV antibiotics for an average of 22 compared to seven days for non-FnM children (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fusobacterium should be suspect in a child presenting with AM, a septic appearance, high fever and increased inflammation markers. A regimen of two antibiotics should be empirically started, then proceed to imaging and early surgical intervention. A relatively slow post-operative recovery process should be expected; however, prognosis is good.

Predicting Anticoagulation Need for Otogenic Intracranial Sinus Thrombosis: A Machine Learning Approach

Objective  The role of anticoagulation (AC) in the management of otogenic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (OCVST) remains controversial. Our study aims to better define when AC is used in OCVST. Methods  MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 14, 2019 for English and English-translated articles. References cited in publications meeting search criteria were searched. Titles and abstracts were screened and identified in the literature search, assessing baseline risk of bias on extracted data with the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) scale. Random effects meta-regression followed by random forest machine learning analysis across 16 moderator variables between AC and nonanticoagulated (NAC) cohorts was conducted. Results  A total of 92% of treated patients were free of neurologic symptoms at the last follow-up (mean 29.64 months). Four percent of AC and 14% of NAC patients remained symptomatic (mean 18.72 and 47.10 months). 3.5% of AC patients experienced postoperative wound hematomas. AC and NAC recanalization rates were 81% (34/42) and 63% (five-eights), respectively. OCVST was correlated with cholesteatoma and intracranial abscess. Among the analyzed covariates, intracranial abscess was most predictive of AC and cholesteatoma was most predictive of NAC. Comorbid intracranial abscess and cholesteatoma were predictive of AC. Conclusion  The present study is the first to utilize machine learning algorithms in approaching OCVST. Our findings support the therapeutic use of AC in the management of OCVST when complicated by thrombophilia, intracranial abscess, and cholesteatoma. Patients with intracranial abscess and cholesteatoma may benefit from AC and surgery. Patients with cholesteatoma can be managed with NAC and surgery.

Acute mastoiditis in infants younger than 6 months: is an alternative treatment protocol needed?

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have reported that younger children suffer from increased incidence and more severe episodes of acute mastoiditis (AM) than older children, whereas other researchers have found the opposite. The aim of our study was to describe the occurrence, clinical, and microbiological aspects of AM in children 6 months or younger, and compare them with the results in an older reference age band.

METHODS

The medical files of children hospitalized with a diagnosis of AM during 2001-2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis of AM was based on the presence of clinical signs of acute otitis media (AOM) accompanied by two or more of the following: auricle protrusion, retro-auricular erythema, swelling, and local tenderness. Children were divided into two age bands, 6 months or younger, and older than 6 months.

RESULTS

Fifty patients in the young age band and 335 in the older reference age band were included. Bilateral AOM was identified in 14 (28%) children under 6 months, and 50 (14.9%) in the reference age band (p < 0.001). Fever, mean WBC, and CRP values were similar in both age bands; 4 (8%) children under 6 months had pre-auricular/zygomatic area swelling, as compared to 1(0.02%) in the reference age band (p < 0.001). Complication rates (subperiosteal abscess, sinus vein thrombosis, and epidural abscess) were similar in both age bands. All children were treated with myringotomy and IV antibiotics. Cortical mastoidectomy with the insertion of ventilation tube was performed in 10 (20%) children in the younger age band and 58(17.3%) in the reference age band. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common (38%) isolated bacteria in the younger age band, and Group A streptococcous (GAS) (20.6%) in the reference age band.

CONCLUSIONS

AM in children 6 months or younger has similar presentation and characteristics as in older children. Pre-auricular swelling and bilateral AOM are more typical in the younger age band; Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen in the younger children. We suggest that the treatment approach should be the same for both groups.

Acute mastoiditis in children: contemporary opportunities and challenges

BACKGROUND

Mastoiditis is the most common intra-temporal complication of acute otitis media. Despite potentially lethal sequelae, optimal management remains poorly defined.

METHOD

A retrospective case review was conducted of children diagnosed with mastoiditis at a tertiary referral centre, in North East England, between 2010 and 2017.

RESULTS

Fifty-one cases were identified, 49 without cholesteatoma. Median patient age was 42 months (2 months to 18 years) and median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 0-27 days). There was no incidence trend over time. Imaging was conducted in 15 out of 49 cases. Surgery was performed in 29 out of 49 cases, most commonly mastoidectomy with (9 out of 29) or without (9 out of 29) grommets. Complications included sigmoid sinus thrombosis (3 out of 49) and extradural abscess (2 out of 51), amongst others; no fatalities occurred.

CONCLUSION

A detailed contemporary description of paediatric mastoiditis presentation and management is presented. The findings broadly mirror those published by other UK centres, but suggest a higher rate of identified disease complications and surgical interventions.

Acute mastoiditis in children

Acute mastoiditis is the most common complication of acute otitis media. Although rare, the disease is carefully studied by otolaryngologists because it usually affects very young children with severe clinical course and sometimes causes serious complications. Most important risk factors are the young age (often>2 years), high fever, alteration of the laboratory findings (very high values of WBC count, absolute neutrophil count and C-reactive protein), while less important are previous antibiotic therapy or previous middle ear infections. The main pathogen of the acute mastoiditis is Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Streptococcus piogenes, Haemophilus influentiae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The finding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not uncommon, but often its presence is often considered a contamination or simultaneous infection. The complications can be extracranial (subperiosteal abscess, Bezold's abscess); intratemporal (facial nerve palsy, labyrinthitis) and intracranial (subdural abscess). The complications have often a very serious clinical course and potentially life-threatening. Antibiotic therapy is the main treatment in not complicated forms. Considering the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, cephalosporins are the antibiotic of choice, but they have to be administrated intravenously in hospitalized patients. Combinations with other antibiotic are suggested when multibacterial flora is present. In complicated forms of acute mastoiditis, the antibiotic treatment can be particularly important, in combination with other specific drugs (i.e. anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids). Surgical treatments, such as incision of abscesses, mastoidectomy, and neurosurgical procedures, are sometimes performed in combination with medical therapy in very severe complications. Data from our experience are briefly reported.

Management of Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis in Israel: Nationwide Survey Among Otorhinolaryngologists and Emergency Pediatricians

INTRODUCTION

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a medical emergency that mandates prompt diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, its management often differs between otorhinolaryngologists (ORLs) and pediatricians (PEDs) working in emergency departments. We sought to characterize the similarities and differences between management protocols of these 2 disciplines.

METHODS

A voluntary electronic questionnaire, including 17 items pertaining to pediatric AM management, was sent to all the 20 otorhinolaryngology and their corresponding pediatric emergency departments nationwide. Each department sent 1 filled out questionnaire. The response rate was 100%.

RESULTS

Eighteen (90%) ORLs are notified when a child with suspected AM arrives. Medical history collected by both disciplines was similar-previous otologic history (100%), previous antibiotic use (100%), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccination status (60%)-whereas acute otitis media risk factors were more important to PEDs (13 [65%] PEDs, 10 [50%] ORLs). According to 85% to 90% of ORLs and PEDs, imaging was not mandatory upon admission. According to 14 (70%) PEDs and 16 (80%) ORLs, imaging was overall performed in less than 50% of patients during hospitalization. Intravenous ceftriaxone and cefuroxime were the most common first-line antibiotic treatments (8 [40%] ORLs, 10 [50%] PEDs), with a mean treatment duration of 7 to 10 days. Eighteen (90%) of the ORLs, compared with 15 (75%) PEDs, reported that myringotomy (with or without ventilating tube insertion) was performed upon diagnosis (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of pediatric AM is generally similar by both disciplines. The use of imaging studies is mild-moderate. We call for a national registry and encourage the publication of guidelines.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis as a complication of otitis media

Otogenic cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare complication of otitis media and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Classic clinical signs of mastoiditis (pain, swelling, and erythema posterior to the pinna) are not always present at presentation. Treatment of otogenic CSVT consists of conservative surgery, antibiotics, and anticoagulation.

Xylitol for the prevention of acute otitis media episodes in children aged 2-4 years: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Xylitol (or 'birch sugar') is a naturally occurring sugar with antibacterial properties that has been used as a natural non-sugar sweetener in chewing gums, confectionery, toothpaste and medicines. In this preventative randomised trial, xylitol will be tested for the prevention of acute otitis media (AOM), a common and costly condition in young children. The primary outcome will be the incidence of AOM. Secondary outcomes will include upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and dental caries.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be a pragmatic, blinded (participant and parents, practitioners and analyst), two-armed superiority, placebo-controlled randomised trial with 1:1 allocation, stratified by clinical site. The trial will be conducted in the 11 primary care group practices participating in the TARGet Kids! research network in Canada. Eligible participants between the ages of 2-4 years will be randomly assigned to the intervention arm of regular xylitol syrup use or the control arm of regular sorbitol use for 6 months. We expect to recruit 236 participants, per treatment arm, to detect a 20% relative risk reduction in AOM episodes. AOM will be identified through chart review. The secondary outcomes of URTIs and dental caries will be identified through monthly phone calls with specified questions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval from the Research Ethics Boards at the Hospital for Sick Children and St. Michael's Hospital has been obtained for this study and also for the TARGet Kids! research network. Results will be submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal and will be discussed with decision makers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03055091; Pre-results.

Acute mastoiditis in an Italian pediatric tertiary medical center: a 15 - year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Acute mastoiditis is the main suppurative complication of acute otitis media. Its incidence ranges from 1.2 to 4.2/100.000 children/year and a rise has been reported in the last years. There are controversial data regarding risk factors for mastoiditis and its complications.

AIM OF THE STUDY

to evaluate demographics and clinical characteristics of children with acute mastoiditis and to identify possible risk factors for complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of all the children aged 1 month-14 years admitted to our Paediatric Emergency Department from January 2002 to December 2016.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-seven cases (97 males and 50 females) were included in the analysis, mean age was 4.8 ± 3.6 years and 28.2% of the patients were younger than 2 years. We found an increasing number of mastoiditis per year during the last 3 years of the study. Children younger than 2 years were less treated with antibiotics for acute otitis media or treated for a shorter period (p < 0.05), while they were treated at higher antibiotic's dosage for mastoiditis (p < 0.01). Older children presented more frequently with symptoms such as earache or retroauricular pain (p < 0.0001, p < 0.001). We didn't identify any risk factor for mastoiditis complications in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines, the incidence of acute mastoiditis in our population has not been reduced during the last years. We have to face all the reasons why this condition is still relevant, such as antibiotic resistance, new pathogens involved and a possible role played by the implementations of therapeutic acute otitis media guidelines restricting the use of antibiotics in this disease. A particular attention should be given to younger children where signs and symptoms may be less pronounced, therefore acute otitis media or mastoiditis may be misunderstood and appropriate treatment delayed.

Acute Otitis Media and Acute Coalescent Mastoiditis

Acute otitis media is a frequent manifestation of otitis media, mainly during the early childhood. The multifactorial pathogenesis and risk factors are exposed along with its most microbiological agents. The clinical manifestations and their differential diagnoses are presented. General concepts and different actual guidelines of the treatment are described, also the efficient preventive measures are proposed.

The second main issue of this chapter is to deal with the complications of acute otitis media, especially the acute coalescent mastoiditis, that is the most common suppurative complication of AOM. The pathogenesis of coalescent acute mastoiditis, its epidemiology, risk factors and the microbiological agents are presented. The clinical features and differential diagnosis are described, as the specific imaging findings. Complications of acute coalescent mastoiditis are typically the subperiosteal abscess, due to the cortical bony necrosis of the mastoid and its septa, or the intracranial spread of the infection (meningitis, intracranial abscesses and venous sinus thrombosis).

The general concept of management is exposed, with emphasis on the antimicrobial treatment and the different surgical options.

Trends in Otitis Media Incidence After Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccination: A National Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced in 2000. The first 7-valent vaccine (PCV7) was followed by a 13-valent vaccine (PCV13) with the same conjugate, and a 10-valent vaccine (PCV10), conjugated to protein D from Haemophilus influenzae. The vaccines offer some protection against pneumococcal acute otitis media (AOM), and, with PCV10, possibly also some protection against H. influenzae AOM. PCV7 was introduced in Sweden in 2009, but from 2010, Swedish counties were free to use either PCV13 or PCV10. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of AOM-related diagnoses and surgical procedures before and after the introduction of PCV in Sweden, but also to compare the areas using PCV13 and PCV10.

METHODS

Data showing the number of AOM diagnoses, ventilation tube insertions, myringotomies, acute mastoiditis cases and mastoidectomies between 2005 and 2014 were extracted from the National Board of Health and Welfare database. Yearly national incidences were calculated, and areas using PCV13 and PCV10 were compared.

RESULTS

AOM incidence decreased, both in outpatients (39%) and hospital admissions (42%). Ventilation tube insertions decreased by 18%, and myringotomies by 15%. The decline in outpatient AOM and ventilation tube insertions was more pronounced in areas that used PCV10, but geographical differences were large also before vaccine introduction.

CONCLUSION

Otitis media-related diagnoses have decreased in Sweden since the introduction of PCV. Though some decreases were more pronounced in areas where PCV10 were used, figures should be interpreted with great caution, because considerable geographical differences were obvious also before vaccine introduction.

Outpatient management of pediatric acute mastoiditis

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the Montreal Children's Hospital experience with outpatient management of uncomplicated acute mastoiditis with parenteral antibiotic therapy alone and determine if it is a safe alternative to inpatient management.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

A retrospective review of pediatric patients diagnosed with acute mastoiditis at a tertiary care pediatric hospital between 2013 and 2015 was performed. Patients with syndromes, immunodeficiency, cholesteatoma, chronic otitis media, cochlear implant in the affected ear, or incidental mastoid opacity were excluded.

RESULTS

56 children age 6 months to 15 years old were treated for acute mastoiditis, including 29 hospitalizations and 27 outpatients. Patients managed as outpatient with daily intravenous ceftriaxone had a 93% cure rate. Eighteen hospitalized and one outpatient had complications of acute mastoiditis. Children with complications were more likely to be febrile (p = 0.045). Two patients failed outpatient therapy and were admitted; one for myringotomy and piperacillin-tazobactam treatment and one required a mastoidectomy. 4/27 children treated as outpatient underwent myringotomy and tube insertion, 2 underwent myringotomy and tube along with admission and 21 did not require tube insertion. The average total duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy was respectively 4.9 and 18.9 days in the outpatient and hospitalized group. The average duration of admission was 5.9 days.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient medical therapy of uncomplicated pediatric mastoiditis is safe, successful, and efficient. Benefits include efficient use of surgical beds, cost savings and patient and family convenience. Careful patient selection and close monitoring are keys for successful outcome.

Panel 7: Otitis Media: Treatment and Complications

Objective We aimed to summarize key articles published between 2011 and 2015 on the treatment of (recurrent) acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, tympanostomy tube otorrhea, chronic suppurative otitis media and complications of otitis media, and their implications for clinical practice. Data Sources PubMed, Ovid Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Evidence (BMJ Publishing). Review Methods All types of articles related to otitis media treatment and complications between June 2011 and March 2015 were identified. A total of 1122 potential related articles were reviewed by the panel members; 118 relevant articles were ultimately included in this summary. Conclusions Recent literature and guidelines emphasize accurate diagnosis of acute otitis media and optimal management of ear pain. Watchful waiting is optional in mild to moderate acute otitis media; antibiotics do shorten symptoms and duration of middle ear effusion. The additive benefit of adenoidectomy to tympanostomy tubes in recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion is controversial and age dependent. Topical antibiotic is the treatment of choice in acute tube otorrhea. Symptomatic hearing loss due to persistent otitis media with effusion is best treated with tympanostomy tubes. Novel molecular and biomaterial treatments as adjuvants to surgical closure of eardrum perforations seem promising. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of complementary and alternative treatments. Implications for Practice Emphasis on accurate diagnosis of otitis media, in its various forms, is important to reduce overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and antibiotic resistance. Children at risk for otitis media and its complications deserve special attention.

Panel 1: Epidemiology and Diagnosis

Objective

To create a literature review between 2011 and June 1, 2015, on advances in otitis media (OM) epidemiology and diagnosis (including relevant audiology studies).

Data Sources

Electronic search engines (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) with a predefined search strategy.

Review Methods

Articles with appropriate epidemiologic methodology for OM, including acute mastoiditis and eustachian tube dysfunction. Items included OM worldwide and in high-risk populations, OM-related hearing loss, news in OM diagnostics, prenatal risk factors and comorbidities, postnatal risk factors, genetics, microbiological epidemiology, guidelines, and quality of life.

Conclusions

Diagnostic evidence and genetic studies are increasing; guidelines are introduced worldwide; and there is evidence of benefit of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. New risk factors and comordities are identified in the study period, and quality of life is affected in children and their families.

Implications for Practice

Chronic suppurative OM occurs worldwide and contributes to lifelong hearing loss. Uniform definitions are still lacking and should be provided. An association between HIV and chronic suppurative OM has been found. Tympanometry is recommended for diagnosis, with or without pneumatic otoscopy. Video otoscopy, algorithms, and validated questionnaires may assist clinicians. Childhood obesity is associated with OM. Heritability accounts for 20% to 50% of OM diagnoses. OM-prone children seem to produce weaker immunologic responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Clinicians tend to individualize treatment without adhering to guidelines.

Characteristics of CI children with complicated middle ear infections

OBJECTIVE

To describe cases of complicated middle ear infections in children with cochlear implants (CI), i.e., episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) and acute mastoiditis (AM), resulting in hospitalization.

METHODS

A total of 206 children under 16 years (300 implantations) were implanted between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2014 at the West Danish CI Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Aarhus, Denmark. By means of two prospective local databases, episodes of AOM or AM and demographics were retrieved including biochemistry, microbiology, length of follow- up, and variable treatment modalities (intravenous (IV) antibiotics, revision mastoidectomy, and insertion of ventilation tubes).

RESULTS

Overall rate of AOM and/or AM was 9.2% (AOM: 9%, AM: 1.9%). Mean age at CI was 46 months. Mean follow-up was 45 months. Mean time from CI operation to AOM or AM was 3 and 4 months, respectively. Children younger than 2 years were at highest risk of AOM and/or AM. All had antibiotics prescribed before admittance, and two- thirds of infected ears had already ventilation tubes inserted. Bacteria could not be detected in more than half of cases. The most frequently isolated strains were pneumococci and nontypable Haemophilus influenzae. The majority of patients were successfully treated with IV cefuroxime (64% of cases) and insertion of ventilation tubes. None of the children developed facial nerve paralysis, intracranial infections, or septicemia.

DISCUSSION

Almost 10% of CI children required at least one hospitalization due to AOM and/or AM compared with 0.1 per thousand of non-CI children. This discrepancy can be explained by a low threshold for active treatment of otitis media in CI children and hence referral to a CI center. The results suggest that benzylpenicillin might be an appropriate initial treatment of AOM and AM. However, cephalosporin was the most preferred antibiotic. Most CI children were already treated with ventilation tubes at admission and almost all children without ventilation tubes, had a tube inserted during admission. Insertion of ventilation tubes is still much debated and more research in this field is needed.

CONCLUSION

AOM and/or AM were seen in Danish children with CI as often as in other western countries. Treatment of complicated middle ear infections was sufficient with IV cephalosporin and ventilation tube insertion. Special attention should be paid to children younger than 4 years and the associated microbiology including serotyping should be monitored.

Acute mastoiditis in children: Middle ear cultures may help in reducing use of broad spectrum antibiotics

BACKGROUND

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a suppurative infection of the mastoid air cells, representing the most frequent complication of acute otitis media. AM remains an important entity in children due to its potential complications and sequelae. We aim to describe the cases of AM admitted at our department, identify risk factors potentially associated with complications and analyse the changes in clinical approach of AM over time.

METHODS

Case review of clinical files of children admitted with acute mastoiditis from June 1996 to May 2013 at a Lisbon metropolitan area hospital. Data was divided into two groups (prior and after May 2005) in order to evaluate changes in AM approach over the years.

RESULTS

135 AM episodes were included. The median age was 3.8 years and 42% children were less than 24 months of age. Symptoms at presentation included fever (69%), ear pain (56%) and otorrhea (40%). Complications occurred in 22% patients and were more common in children under 24 months (33% vs 15%, p ≤ 0.01). Leukocyte count was significantly higher in children with complications (16.7 vs 14.5 × 10⁹/μL, p ≤ 0.05) as was C-Reactive Protein value (13 vs 6.3 mg/dL, p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant association between the development of complications and C-Reactive Protein value at admission (OR 1.892; IC95%: 1.018-2.493, p ≤ 0.01). The optimal cut-off value was 7.21 mg/dL. Over time there was a significant increase in middle ear cultures obtained by tympanocentesis during surgery (2% vs 16%, p ≤ 0,01) and also a decrease in the use of broad spectrum antibiotherapy as initial treatment (52% vs 25%,p ≤ 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Children under 24 months, with high leukocyte count or with high C-Reactive Protein value should be monitored closely since complications tend to be more frequent. A CRP value of 7.21 mg/dL at admission seems to be a good cut-off to monitor children for potential complications. Throughout the period analysed more cultures were performed allowing identification of the pathogens and implementation of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media

Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical treatment intended to optimize patient-oriented decision-making on the basis of empirically proven effectiveness. For this purpose, a classification system has been established to categorize studies - and hence therapy options - in respect of associated evidence according to defined criteria. The Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity. Its key function is to ensure middle ear ventilation. Compromised ventilation results in inflammatory middle ear disorders. Numerous evidence-based therapy options are available for the treatment of impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media, the main therapeutic approach being antibiotic treatment. More recent procedures such as balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube have also shown initial success but must undergo further evaluation with regard to evidence. There is, as yet, no evidence for some of the other long-established procedures. Owing to the multitude of variables, the classification of evidence levels for various treatment approaches calls for highly diversified assessment. Numerous evidence-based studies are therefore necessary in order to evaluate the evidence pertaining to existing and future therapy solutions for impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media. If this need is addressed, a wealth of implications can be expected for therapeutic approaches in the years to come.

Familial link of otitis media requiring tympanostomy tubes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Placement of tympanostomy tubes for recurrent or chronic otitis media is the most commonly performed ambulatory procedure in the United States. Etiologies have been speculated to be environmentally based, and studies have suggested a genetic component to the disease. However, no large-scale studies have attempted to define a familial component. The objective of this study was to determine the familial risk of otitis media requiring tympanostomy tubes (OMwTT) in a statewide population.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study with population-based matched controls.

METHODS

Using an extensive genealogical database linked to medical records, the familial risk of OMwTT was calculated for relatives of probands (46,249 patients diagnosed with OMwTT from 1996-2013) compared to random population controls matched 5:1 on sex and birth year from logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The median age at time of tympanostomy tube placement was 1 year (interquartile range, 0-2 years). First-degree relatives of patients with OMwTT, primarily siblings, had a 5-fold increased risk of OMwTT (P < 10^-16 ). Second-degree relatives were at a 1.5-fold increased risk (P < 10^-15 ). More extended relatives (third, fourth and fifth degree) showed a 1.4-fold increased risk (P < 10^-15 ).

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest population-based study to date, a significant familial risk is confirmed in OMwTT, suggesting otitis media may have a significant genetic component given the increased risk found in close as well as distant relatives. This could be influenced by shared environments given a five-times risk observed in siblings. Further understanding the genetic basis of OMwTT and its interplay with environmental factors may clarify the etiology and lead to better detection of disease and treatments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:962-966, 2017.

Management of acute complicated mastoiditis at an urban, tertiary care pediatric hospital

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To describe the presentation and management of acute complicated mastoiditis in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

An analysis of pediatric patients with acute complicated mastoiditis treated at an urban, tertiary care children's hospital from 2007 to 2014 was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients presented with a total of 67 complications of acute mastoiditis. Mean age at presentation was 4.8 years (range = 0.1-15.3 years). The most common complications were subperiosteal abscess (n = 22, 45.8%), epidural abscess (n = 16, 33.3%), and sigmoid sinus thrombosis (n = 14, 29.2%). The most common pathogens isolated included Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 14, 29.2%) and group A streptococcus (n = 10, 20.8%). Multidrug resistance was not associated with complication type. Surgical management included myringotomy ± tympanostomy tube placement in 46 (95.8%) patients (the only surgery in 10), drainage of subperiosteal abscess without mastoidectomy in 18 (37.5%) patients, and mastoidectomy in 21 (43.8%) total patients. Patients presenting with intracranial complications were the most likely to undergo a mastoidectomy. Anticoagulation was used in the management of nine of 14 (64.3%) patients presenting with sigmoid sinus thrombosis. Neurosurgical interventions (n = 7, 14.6% patients) were primarily performed to manage increased intracranial pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Subperiosteal abscess was the most common complication of acute mastoiditis, and when occurring as the sole complication was successfully managed with antibiotics and surgical intervention that did not include mastoidectomy. Epidural abscess and sigmoid sinus thrombosis were more prevalent than reported in prior series and were managed more aggressively. These patients were more likely to need neurosurgical interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2321-2327, 2017.

Management of paediatric otogenic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Otogenic paediatric cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is rare but has potential clinical sequelae. Its management has long been debated mainly concerning the role of surgery and the use of anticoagulant therapy.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

To review the current literature and examine the medical and surgical management of paediatric otogenic CVST and its clinical and radiological outcome.

TYPE OF REVIEW

Systematic review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) were searched from inception to November 2014 using text words 'cerebral venous sinus thrombosis OR cerebral venous thrombosis OR lateral sinus thrombosis OR sigmoid sinus thrombosis' AND 'otogenic OR mastoiditis OR otitis media' AND 'children OR paediatric OR pediatric'.

EVALUATION METHOD

Inclusion criteria were applied by two reviewers and data extraction was carried out. The type of otological surgery (conservative versus extensive) and the use of anticoagulants with their clinical and radiological outcomes were tabulated.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies (15 case reports and 21 case series) were included with a total of 190 patients. A total of 92.1% of patients underwent otological surgery, and 69.5% had conservative surgery and 30.5% extensive otological surgery. Anticoagulants were used in 59%. A total of 79.2% of patients were reported to have had a good clinical outcome. Within this group, 56% had conservative surgery and anticoagulants. Follow-up scans were documented in 61.6% of patients and complete recanalisation was observed in 51%. Complete recanalisation was observed in 47% of those who had been anticoagulated and 55% of those who received no anticoagulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative otological surgery with the combination of anticoagulation was the most common treatment modality found in the group of patients with good clinical outcome. However, given the current low level of evidence, a multicentre collaborative study is needed to help establish the optimum surgical approach and the role of anticoagulation in managing paediatric otogenic CVST.

Indications and radiological findings of acute otitis media and its complications

Most cases of acute otitis media resolve with antibiotics and imaging is not required. When treatment fails or a complication is suspected, imaging plays a crucial role. Since the introduction of antibiotic treatment, the complication rate has decreased dramatically. Nevertheless, given the critical clinical relevance of complications, the importance of early diagnosis is vital. Our objective was to review the clinical and radiological features of acute otitis media and its complications. They were classified based on their location, as intratemporal or intracranial. Imaging makes it possible to diagnose the complications of acute otitis media and to institute appropriate treatment. Computed tomography is the initial technique of choice and, in most cases, the ultimate. Magnetic resonance is useful for evaluating the inner ear and when accurate evaluation of disease extent or better characterization of intracranial complications is required.

A Novel Radiographic Sign and a New Classifying System in Mastoiditis-Related Epidural Abscess

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel radiographic sign ("halo") and a new classification method of an evolving perisigmoid epidural abscess and present its correlation with intraoperative findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective and prospective cohort study in a tertiary academic children's hospital.

METHODS

The retrospective arm (15 children) was conducted between 1998 and 2007 and the prospective arm (11 children) between 2008 and 2013. The computerized tomographic appearance of the perisigmoid region was classified into four groups: Class I, normal; Class II, smooth halo; Class III, nodular halo 4 mm or less in diameter; and Class IV, gross nodular halo more than 4 mm in diameter. Intraoperative findings of the perisigmoid region were compared with the preoperative scan results.

RESULTS

The correlation between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings of the retrospective arm was highly significant (p = 0.007). The correlation between the preoperative imaging studies and intraoperative findings of the prospective arm was also highly significant (p = 0.005). The interobserver agreement for the proposed classification method was high (Cohen kappa score, 0.76; weighted kappa score, 0.84).

CONCLUSION

A novel radiographic sign ("halo") and a new classification method for an evolving perisigmoid epidural abscess in acute mastoiditis are described. A thin and smooth halo sign is not indicative of a true abscess formation. Gross perisigmoid granular changes, however, are highly suggestive of an epidural abscess that warrants surgical intervention.

Severe Acute Mastoiditis Admission is Not Related to Delayed Antibiotic Treatment for Antecedent Acute Otitis Media

BACKGROUND

Delayed antibiotic treatment for acute otitis media (AOM) is recommended for children >6 months with nonsevere illness, no risk factors for complications or history of recurrent AOM. This study evaluates relationship between delayed antibiotic treatment for antecedent AOM and severity of subsequent acute mastoiditis admission.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of children aged 0-14 years admitted with acute mastoiditis to 8 hospitals between 2007 and 2012 calculates rates of severe acute mastoiditis admission [defined by ≥1 of the following: complication (mastoid subperiosteal abscess, brain abscess and sagittal vein thrombosis), need for surgical procedure and duration of admission >6 days].Severe acute mastoiditis admissions in children with antecedent AOM treated with immediate antibiotics were compared with those with delayed antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

Antecedent AOM was diagnosed in 216 of 512 acute mastoiditis admissions (42.1%), of whom 159 (73%) immediately received antibiotics, and 57 (27%) had delayed antibiotic treatment. Higher rate of recurrent AOM was noted in the immediate compared with delayed antibiotic treatment group (29% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.0021). Complication rates were 19.5% versus 10.5% (P = 0.12), rates of surgical procedures required, 30% versus 10% (P = 0.0033); admission rates >6 days, 37% versus 29% (P = 0.28) for immediate antibiotic therapy and delayed antibiotic treatment. On logistic regression analysis, immediately treated AOM patients had increased need for surgery for acute mastoiditis with adjustment for history of recurrent AOM (relative risk: 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-7.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed antibiotic treatment for antecedent AOM is not associated with an increase in severity parameters in subsequent acute mastoiditis admission.

Acute Mastoiditis in Children: Necessity and Timing of Imaging

BACKGROUND

Acute mastoiditis (AM) can be clinically diagnosed, with an option for supplemental imaging: computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Debate widely exists whether clinical diagnosis alone is sufficient, in view of the risk of missing undetected complications. We sought to study the reasons leading to the performance of an imaging study during AM course.

METHODS

Medical records of children younger than 8 years who were admitted from 2005 to 2014 with AM were retrospectively reviewed. Data included medical history, signs and symptoms, laboratory results, imaging studies, treatment methods and final outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty-six children were diagnosed with 88 AM episodes. Of the AM episodes, 55 (63%) were in boys and 46 (52%) were in children younger than 2 years. All children were treated with parenteral antibiotics, and 82 (95%) underwent myringotomy on admission. Only 20 (23%) children underwent imaging studies, on the 6th median day. Of those, 20 (100%) children underwent CT scans, and 3 (15%) underwent additional MRI studies. The reasons for imaging studies included suspected subperiosteal abscess (9 of 20, 45%), lack of improvement despite adequate medical therapy (7, 35%) and focal neurological signs (4, 20%). Sixteen (16%) children underwent surgery for these pathologies: subperiosteal abscesses (n = 12,), jugular vein thrombosis (n = 2), perisinus empyema (n = 2), epidural abscess (n = 2) and Luc abscess (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Most children presenting with AM can be diagnosed clinically and do well with intravenous antibiotics and myringotomy. CT and MRI imaging should be reserved for children with suspected AM-related intracranial complications.

Paediatric acute mastoiditis, then and now: is it more of a problem now?

Background:

Acute mastoiditis is a significant cause of morbidity in the paediatric population. This paper reviews our experience with this condition over the last 10 years and compares it with historical data from Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK.

Method:

A retrospective case note review of patients who presented between 2003 and 2012 was performed.

Results:

Forty-six patients with acute mastoiditis were identified. Imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in 14 cases (30.4 per cent). Intracranial complications were identified in six patients (13.0 per cent), one of whom required neurosurgical intervention. In 27 cases (58.7 per cent), a surgical procedure was performed. Data from 1995 to 2000 revealed similar rates of imaging (30.0 per cent), but significantly lower rates of surgical intervention (23 per cent). A lower rate of intracranial complications (4.8 per cent) in the historical cohort did not prove to be statistically significant (p = 0.419).

Conclusion:

The numbers of paediatric patients presenting with acute mastoiditis appears essentially unchanged. Improvement in imaging technology and aids to interpretation may explain the apparent increase of intracranial complications.

Diagnosis and management of acute mastoiditis in a cohort of Italian children

OBJECTIVE

The Italian Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases created a registry to determine the management of pediatric acute mastoiditis (AM) in Italy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of paediatricians was conducted to evaluate hospitalization due to AM in Italian pediatric wards between 1 January 2002, and 31 December 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 913 children (561 males, 61.4%) were included in this study. The annual number of AM cases significantly increased during the study period (30 in 2002 and 98 in 2013) but only among older children (≥ 4 years old; p = 0.02). AM complications occurred in 69 (7.6%) of the children and sequelae were observed in 13 (1.4%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The annual number of pediatric AM cases admitted to Italian pediatric wards increased in the past few years; this increase was strictly age-related. The risk of severe AM complications appeared relatively low, and most AM cases could be treated conservatively.

Intratemporal and intracranial complications of acute otitis media in a pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To review all cases intratemporal and intracranial complications of acute otitis media (AOM) in infants and children from 1998 to 2013.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 109 consecutive patients admitted for complications of AOM during a 15-year period at a tertiary-care children's hospital. The main outcomes are: (1) complications of AOM, (2) bacteriology, (3) management strategies.

RESULTS

In our population, complications included mastoiditis (86.1%), subperiosteal abscess (38%), facial nerve palsy (16.7%), sigmoid sinus thrombosis (8.3%) and epidural abscess (7.4%). Other complications included post-auricular cellulitis, otic hydrocephalus and elevated intracranial pressure, internal jugular thrombosis, cranial nerve VI palsy and Gradenigo's syndrome, labyrinthine fistula, sensorineural hearing loss, and cerebellar infarct. Sixty-one patients (56%) received antibiotics prior to presentation. Cultures revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae in 36 patients (33.3%), other bacteria in 30 patients (27.8%), and "no growth" in 33 patients (30.5%). Nine patients (8.3%) did not undergo culture. Of the patients with S. pneumoniae, 20 cultures (55%) were found to be multidrug-resistant. Eleven patients (10.2%) were treated non-surgically, 31 (31%) were treated with myringotomy and intravenous antibiotics. Forty patients (97.5%) presenting with subperiosteal abscess required mastoid surgery. Thirteen of 18 (72.2%) patients with facial paralysis had full recovery. Eight of 10 (80%) patients with epidural abscess empyema required mastoid surgery and incision and drainage of the abscess.

CONCLUSION

Complications of AOM are uncommon, yet continue to have potentially serious consequences. The bacteriology in this population reveals an increasing trend of multi-drug resistant S. pneumoniae as the causative organism.

Acute mastoiditis in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era

Following the introduction of the 7- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, we observed an inverse relationship between the increasing rate of immunized children and the proportion of middle ear fluid cultures collected during acute mastoiditis episodes that tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae among a subset of children 0 to 6 years old who had initially presented with severe acute otitis media and had bacterial cultures collected during tympanocentesis or from spontaneous otorrhea.

Microbiology of acute mastoiditis and complicated or refractory acute otitis media among hospitalized children in the postvaccination era

In the post-heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the leading cause of acute mastoiditis and other complicated or refractory acute otitis media among hospitalized children in our settings. Serotype 19A is predominant, invasive and multidrug resistant causing more than half of all mastoiditis cases, two-thirds of cases with subperiosteal abscess and all those requiring mastoidectomy. Continuous surveillance is required.