Comparison of Tympanostomy Tubes Under Local Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia for Children

OBJECTIVE

Tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) is typically accomplished under general anesthesia (GA) in the operating room. We aimed to compare pain between GA and local anesthesia (LA) in surgically naïve children undergoing TTI. Secondary objectives examined patient's quality of life (QoL) and parent's satisfaction.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective single-center study.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric academic center.

METHODS

Consecutive children who underwent TTI under GA were compared to patients under LA. Pain standardized observational pain scales (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale [FLACC], Children's hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale [CHEOPS]) were completed pre-procedure, during the first tympanostomy and second tympanostomy, and post-procedure, as well as 1 week postoperatively. General health-related QoL (PedsQL) and QoL specific to otitis media (OM-6) were measured before insertion and 1 month postoperatively. Parental satisfaction was also evaluated using a qualitative scale.

RESULTS

LA group had statistically significant higher pain levels at the beginning (7.3 vs. 0), during the first tympanostomy (7.8 vs. 0), during the second tympanostomy (7.7 vs. 0), and at end of the procedure (6.9 vs. 0) with the FLACC scale (all p < 0.01). Results were similar with the CHEOPS scale. No pain was noted 1 week after surgery in either group. Both groups had similar improvement in their QoL (p > 0.05). Minor complication occurred at a similar rate (p > 0.05). Parents were equally satisfied with their choice of anesthesia in both groups when initially questioned after the procedure (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children experienced significantly less pain under GA than LA. If LA is to be used, pain and distress-reducing strategies are critical. Shared decision-making with families is essential.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2422-2429, 2024.

Impact of ventilation tube insertion on long-term language outcomes at 6 and 10 years of age: A prospective pregnancy cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Investigating the impact of early childhood ventilation tube insertion (VTI) on long-term language outcomes.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

A total of 2900 pregnant women participated in the Raine Study between 1989 and 1991 in Western Australia, and 2868 children have been followed up.

PARTICIPANTS

Based on parental reports, 314 children had a history of recurrent otitis media but did not undergo VTI (rOM group); another 94 received VTI (VTI group); while 1735 had no history of rOM (reference group) in the first 3 years of childhood. Children with data on outcomes and confounders were included in analyses of PPVT-R at ages 6 (n = 1567) and 10 years (n = 1313) and CELF-III at 10 years (n = 1410) (approximately 5% in the VTI group and 15% in the rOM group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised edition and Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals® Preschool-3.

RESULTS

At 6 years, mean PPVT-R scores were significantly lower in the VTI group than the reference group (β = -3.3; 95% CI [-6.5 to -0.04], p = .047). At 10 years, while the difference between the VTI and reference groups was less pronounced for PPVT-R scores, there was a small but consistent trend of lower measures, on average, across CELF-III scores (expressive: β = -3.4 [-7.1 to 0.27], p = .069; receptive: β = -4.1 [-7.9 to -0.34], p = .033; total: β = -3.9 [-7.5 to -0.21], p = .038). There was no evidence to suggest that language outcomes in the rOM group differed from the reference group.

CONCLUSION

Lower scores of language outcomes in school-aged children who received VTI in early childhood may suggest a long-term risk which should be considered alongside the potential benefits of VTI.

Use of Topical Phenol in Awake Young Children for Tympanostomy Tube Placement

Importance: Phenol kits cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are indicated as a topical anesthetic for the tympanic membrane (TM) in adults. However, there is no existing literature that reports outcomes to support the safety and use of phenol on the TM of awake children. Objective: Determine if topical phenol is safe and at low risk for complications and therefore be used effectively in awake children to facilitate office otologic procedures as in adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: Children under 21 years of age whose parents agreed to participate in an awake office setting for tympanostomy tube (TT) placement. All children had TT placement after phenol placement on the TM prior to insertion. Main Outcomes and Measures: TM perforation or other signs of TM complications through a minimum of 6-month clinical follow-up, along with assessment of the tolerability of the procedure by the child. Results: A total of 228 children with an age range of 6 months to 15.9 years and 435 TMs completed TT placement using phenol as a local anesthetic while awake in the office. There were no complications reported in the 204 children at the first follow-up visit post TM placement within 3 to 10 weeks. Of the 93 children followed up at least 6 months, there were no TM complications reported. Conclusions: This is the first study to report the outcomes on the use of phenol in an office setting in children. In this large experience, phenol appears to be tolerable and safe for use in young children in the office and is a potential safe choice of topical anesthesia for surgeons if they choose to perform office procedures such as myringotomies or TT placement on children.

Adherence to Tympanostomy Tube Clinical Practice Guidelines in an Advanced Practice Provider Clinic

OBJECTIVE

We compared adherence rates by attending otolaryngologists (OTOs) and advanced practice providers (APPs) to the 2013 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline (CPG) for children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT).

METHODS

Patients aged 6 months to 12 years old undergoing BMT for RAOM who had a pre-operative visit with an independent APP or OTO were reviewed. Patients satisfied CPG criteria if middle ear effusion was identified at the pre-operative visit (pre-op) or if they did not have effusion but met exception criteria based on their risk for developmental difficulties and contraindications to medical therapy. Adherence rates between APPs and OTOs were compared. Agreement between pre-op and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification was assessed.

RESULTS

Nine hundred twenty-three patients were included. Six hundred one patients were seen by OTOs and 322 by APPs. Middle ear effusion was identified at pre-op in 84% of APP patients and in 76% of OTO patients (P = .005). Eight percent of APP patients and 11% of OTO patients met exception criteria (P = .138). Overall, 87% of OTO patients and 92% of APP patients met either CPG or exception criteria for BMT (P = .037). A logistic regression model demonstrated that pre-op provider type did not significantly impact rates of agreement between pre-op visit and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent APP-led clinics can reliably and effectively deliver evidence-based care for prevalent conditions such as RAOM at similar rates of adherence to CPGs as OTOs.

Need for Tympanostomy Tubes in Children With Recurrent Acute Otitis Media Without Middle Ear Effusion

OBJECTIVE

Children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) presenting without middle ear effusion (MEE) do not meet indications for surgical intervention as outlined by Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The objective of this study was to determine which patients presenting with RAOM without MEE ultimately received tympanostomy tubes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Single academic pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

METHODS

Children (0-12 years) presenting with RAOM and no MEE were identified from October 2017 to December 2019. As per CPGs, no surgery was offered initially. Patients were given a semiurgent return appointment should they experience another suspected otitis media episode. If MEE was observed, tympanostomy tube insertion was offered. Patients were followed for 1-year following enrollment.

RESULTS

One-hundred and twenty-four patients were included. The median age was 3.15 years old (interquartile range: 4.10). Seventy-five (60%) patients did not require additional follow-up and thus did not require tympanostomy tubes. Forty-nine (40%) patients were seen again; of these, 11 patients received tympanostomy tubes. Therefore, of patients presenting with no MEE, 91% did not require tympanostomy tubes. Patients who had surgery were younger on initial assessment than those who did not (mean difference 2.68 years, 95% confidence interval: 2.14-3.23).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the practical effect of adhering to CPGs for RAOM and suggests that many children may not require tympanostomy tube placement within the 1st year after the consultation if they did not initially present with MEE.

Tympanostomy Tubes: Are They Necessary? A Systematic Review on Implementation in Cleft Care

OBJECTIVE

To understand the indication for and the effects of early ventilation tube insertion (VTI) on hearing and speech for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP).

DESIGN

We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-guided systematic review of relevant literature.

SETTING

Setting varied by geographical location and level of clinical care across studies.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

Patients with CLP who underwent VTI were included.

INTERVENTIONS

No interventions were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary outcome measures were hearing and speech following VTI. Secondary outcome measures were tube-related and middle ear complications. Early VTI occurred before or at time of palatoplasty while late VTI occurred after palatoplasty.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Articles varied among study design, outcome measures, sample size, follow-up, and quality. Few studies demonstrated support for early VTI. Many studies reported no difference in hearing or speech between early and late VTI. Others reported worse outcomes, greater likelihood of complications, or needing repeat VTI following early tympanostomy placement. Several studies had significant limitations, including confounding variables, small sample size, or not reporting on our primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

No consistency was found regarding which patients would benefit most from early VTI. Given the aforementioned variability and sub-optimal methodologies, additional studies are warranted to provide stronger evidence regarding VTI timing in cleft care.

Cost-effectiveness of management strategies in recurrent acute otitis media

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tympanostomy tube placementvs nonsurgical medical management, with the option of tympanostomy tube placement in the event of treatment failure, in children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM).

STUDY DESIGN

A Markov decision model compared management strategies in children ages 6-35 months, using patient-level data from a recently completed, multicenter, randomized clinical trial of tympanostomy tube placement vs medical management. The model ran over a 2-year time horizon using a societal perspective. Probabilities, including risk of AOM symptoms, were derived from prospectively collected patient diaries. Costs and quality-of-life measures were derived from the literature. We performed one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, and secondary analyses in predetermined low- and high-risk subgroups. The primary outcome was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

RESULTS

Tympanostomy tubes cost $989 more per child than medical management. Children managed with tympanostomy tubes gained 0.69 more quality-adjusted life-days than children managed medically, corresponding to $520 855 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Results were sensitive to the costs of oral antibiotics, missed work, special childcare, the societal cost of antibiotic resistance, and the quality of life associated with AOM. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, medical management was favored in 66% of model iterations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/quality-adjusted life-year. Medical management was preferred in secondary analyses of low- and high-risk subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

For young children with recurrent AOM, the additional cost associated with tympanostomy tube placement outweighs the small improvement in quality of life. Medical management for these children is an economically reasonable strategy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02567825.

Plain Language Summary: Tympanostomy (Ear) Tubes in Children

This plain language summary explains tympanostomy tubes, also known as ear tubes, to patients and families. The summary applies to children aged 6 months to 12 years with tympanostomy tubes or children being considered for tympanostomy tubes. It is based on the "Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update)," published in 2022 as a major update to the original guideline from 2013. This plain language summary is written explicitly for consumers, patients, and families as a companion publication to the full guideline, which provides greater detail for health care providers. A primary purpose is to facilitate insight and understanding that foster shared decision making regarding ear tubes. Guidelines and their recommendations may not apply to every child, but they do identify best practices and quality improvement opportunities that can help you and your child benefit most from ear tubes.

Executive Summary of Clinical Practice Guideline on Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update)

OBJECTIVE

This executive summary of the guideline update provides evidence-based recommendations for patient selection and surgical indications for managing tympanostomy tubes in children. The summary and guideline are intended for any clinician involved in managing children aged 6 months to 12 years with tympanostomy tubes or children being considered for tympanostomy tubes in any care setting as an intervention for otitis media of any type. The target audience includes specialists, primary care clinicians, and allied health professionals.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this executive summary is to provide a succinct overview for clinicians of the key action statements (recommendations), summary tables, and patient decision aids from the update of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's "Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update)." The new guideline updates recommendations in the prior guideline from 2013 and provides clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations on patient selection and surgical indications for managing tympanostomy tubes in children. This summary is not intended to substitute for the full guideline, and clinicians are encouraged to read the full guideline before implementing the recommended actions.

METHODS

The guideline on which this summary is based was developed using methods outlined in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's "Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual, Third Edition: A Quality-Driven Approach for Translating Evidence Into Action," which were followed explicitly. The guideline update group represented the disciplines of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, otology, pediatrics, audiology, anesthesiology, family medicine, advanced practice nursing, speech-language pathology, and consumer advocacy.

ACTION STATEMENTS

Strong recommendations were made for the following key action statements: (14) Clinicians should prescribe topical antibiotic ear drops only, without oral antibiotics, for children with uncomplicated acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea. (16) The surgeon or designee should examine the ears of a child within 3 months of tympanostomy tube insertion AND should educate families regarding the need for routine, periodic follow-up to examine the ears until the tubes extrude.Recommendations were made for the following key action statements: (1) Clinicians should not perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with a single episode of otitis media with effusion (OME) of less than 3 months' duration, from the date of onset (if known) or from the date of diagnosis (if onset is unknown). (2) Clinicians should obtain a hearing evaluation if OME persists for 3 months or longer OR prior to surgery when a child becomes a candidate for tympanostomy tube insertion. (3) Clinicians should offer bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion to children with bilateral OME for 3 months or longer AND documented hearing difficulties. (5) Clinicians should reevaluate, at 3- to 6-month intervals, children with chronic OME who do not receive tympanostomy tubes, until the effusion is no longer present, significant hearing loss is detected, or structural abnormalities of the tympanic membrane or middle ear are suspected. (6) Clinicians should not perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) who do not have middle ear effusion (MEE) in either ear at the time of assessment for tube candidacy. (7) Clinicians should offer bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion in children with recurrent AOM who have unilateral or bilateral MEE at the time of assessment for tube candidacy. (8) Clinicians should determine if a child with recurrent AOM or with OME of any duration is at increased risk for speech, language, or learning problems from otitis media because of baseline sensory, physical, cognitive, or behavioral factors. (10) The clinician should not place long-term tubes as initial surgery for children who meet criteria for tube insertion unless there is a specific reason based on an anticipated need for prolonged middle ear ventilation beyond that of a short-term tube. (12) In the perioperative period, clinicians should educate caregivers of children with tympanostomy tubes regarding the expected duration of tube function, recommended follow-up schedule, and detection of complications. (13) Clinicians should not routinely prescribe postoperative antibiotic ear drops after tympanostomy tube placement. (15) Clinicians should not encourage routine, prophylactic water precautions (use of earplugs or headbands, avoidance of swimming or water sports) for children with tympanostomy tubes.Options were offered from the following key action statements: (4) Clinicians may perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with unilateral or bilateral OME for 3 months or longer (chronic OME) AND symptoms that are likely attributable, all or in part, to OME that include, but are not limited to, balance (vestibular) problems, poor school performance, behavioral problems, ear discomfort, or reduced quality of life. (9) Clinicians may perform tympanostomy tube insertion in at-risk children with unilateral or bilateral OME that is likely to persist as reflected by a type B (flat) tympanogram or a documented effusion for 3 months or longer. (11) Clinicians may perform adenoidectomy as an adjunct to tympanostomy tube insertion for children with symptoms directly related to the adenoids (adenoid infection or nasal obstruction) OR in children aged 4 years or older to potentially reduce future incidence of recurrent otitis media or the need for repeat tube insertion.

Office Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes and the Role of Automated Insertion Devices

OBJECTIVE

Insertion of tubes in an office setting and automated tube insertion devices were identified as high-priority quality improvement opportunities during the update process for the 2013 clinical practice guideline on tympanostomy tubes from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The guideline update group, however, decided to avoid any recommendations on these topics, based on limited research evidence, and instead selected a subset of group members to author this state of the art review, with the goal of facilitating informed decisions in clinical practice.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed through September 2021, Google search of device manufacturer websites, and SmartTots research website for articles on anesthesia neurotoxicity.

REVIEW METHODS

A state of the art review format emphasizing evidence from the past 5 years, with manual cross-checks of reference lists of identified articles for additional relevant studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing literature is too sparse to make recommendations about procedure setting and optimal technique or assess long-term outcomes. The role of automated devices is uncertain, given the increased equipment cost and limited information on characteristics of the proprietary preloaded tubes, including intubation duration and rates of otorrhea, obstruction, medialization, granulation tissue, and persistent perforation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Whether to undertake in-office tube insertion in awake children should be based on clinician experience, clinician ability to interact with and reassure caregivers, shared decisions with caregivers, and judgment regarding the level of cooperation (or lack thereof) to be expected from a given child. Clinicians should remain alert to new research and expect increasing queries from patients and families.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update)

OBJECTIVE

Insertion of tympanostomy tubes is the most common ambulatory surgery performed on children in the United States. Tympanostomy tubes are most often inserted because of persistent middle ear fluid, frequent ear infections, or ear infections that persist after antibiotic therapy. All these conditions are encompassed by the term otitis media (middle ear inflammation). This guideline update provides evidence-based recommendations for patient selection and surgical indications for managing tympanostomy tubes in children. The guideline is intended for any clinician involved in managing children aged 6 months to 12 years with tympanostomy tubes or children being considered for tympanostomy tubes in any care setting as an intervention for otitis media of any type. The target audience includes specialists, primary care clinicians, and allied health professionals.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical practice guideline update is to reassess and update recommendations in the prior guideline from 2013 and to provide clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations on patient selection and surgical indications for managing tympanostomy tubes in children. In planning the content of the updated guideline, the guideline update group (GUG) affirmed and included all the original key action statements (KASs), based on external review and GUG assessment of the original recommendations. The guideline update was supplemented with new research evidence and expanded profiles that addressed quality improvement and implementation issues. The group also discussed and prioritized the need for new recommendations based on gaps in the initial guideline or new evidence that would warrant and support KASs. The GUG further sought to bring greater coherence to the guideline recommendations by displaying relationships in a new flowchart to facilitate clinical decision making. Last, knowledge gaps were identified to guide future research.

METHODS

In developing this update, the methods outlined in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's "Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual, Third Edition: A Quality-Driven Approach for Translating Evidence Into Action" were followed explicitly. The GUG was convened with representation from the disciplines of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, otology, pediatrics, audiology, anesthesiology, family medicine, advanced practice nursing, speech-language pathology, and consumer advocacy.

ACTION STATEMENTS

The GUG made strong recommendations for the following KASs: (14) clinicians should prescribe topical antibiotic ear drops only, without oral antibiotics, for children with uncomplicated acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea; (16) the surgeon or designee should examine the ears of a child within 3 months of tympanostomy tube insertion AND should educate families regarding the need for routine, periodic follow-up to examine the ears until the tubes extrude.The GUG made recommendations for the following KASs: (1) clinicians should not perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with a single episode of otitis media with effusion (OME) of less than 3 months' duration, from the date of onset (if known) or from the date of diagnosis (if onset is unknown); (2) clinicians should obtain a hearing evaluation if OME persists for 3 months or longer OR prior to surgery when a child becomes a candidate for tympanostomy tube insertion; (3) clinicians should offer bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion to children with bilateral OME for 3 months or longer AND documented hearing difficulties; (5) clinicians should reevaluate, at 3- to 6-month intervals, children with chronic OME who do not receive tympanostomy tubes, until the effusion is no longer present, significant hearing loss is detected, or structural abnormalities of the tympanic membrane or middle ear are suspected; (6) clinicians should not perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with recurrent acute otitis media who do not have middle ear effusion in either ear at the time of assessment for tube candidacy; (7) clinicians should offer bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion in children with recurrent acute otitis media who have unilateral or bilateral middle ear effusion at the time of assessment for tube candidacy; (8) clinicians should determine if a child with recurrent acute otitis media or with OME of any duration is at increased risk for speech, language, or learning problems from otitis media because of baseline sensory, physical, cognitive, or behavioral factors; (10) the clinician should not place long-term tubes as initial surgery for children who meet criteria for tube insertion unless there is a specific reason based on an anticipated need for prolonged middle ear ventilation beyond that of a short-term tube; (12) in the perioperative period, clinicians should educate caregivers of children with tympanostomy tubes regarding the expected duration of tube function, recommended follow-up schedule, and detection of complications; (13) clinicians should not routinely prescribe postoperative antibiotic ear drops after tympanostomy tube placement; (15) clinicians should not encourage routine, prophylactic water precautions (use of earplugs or headbands, avoidance of swimming or water sports) for children with tympanostomy tubes.The GUG offered the following KASs as options: (4) clinicians may perform tympanostomy tube insertion in children with unilateral or bilateral OME for 3 months or longer (chronic OME) AND symptoms that are likely attributable, all or in part, to OME that include, but are not limited to, balance (vestibular) problems, poor school performance, behavioral problems, ear discomfort, or reduced quality of life; (9) clinicians may perform tympanostomy tube insertion in at-risk children with unilateral or bilateral OME that is likely to persist as reflected by a type B (flat) tympanogram or a documented effusion for 3 months or longer; (11) clinicians may perform adenoidectomy as an adjunct to tympanostomy tube insertion for children with symptoms directly related to the adenoids (adenoid infection or nasal obstruction) OR in children aged 4 years or older to potentially reduce future incidence of recurrent otitis media or the need for repeat tube insertion.

Tympanostomies and tonsillar surgery in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of social restrictions due to COVID-19 on the number of tympanostomies and tonsillar surgeries in children.

METHODS

Incidences were calculated per 100 000 children for tonsillar surgery and tympanostomies in 2020 and compared to the mean incidence of referral years 2017 to 2019 by incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Median waiting times were also compared.

RESULTS

Before the lockdown, tonsillar surgery incidence was 33.4/100000 (IRR 1.14, CI 0.76-1.71) in February 2020. After the lockdown began, the incidence of tonsillar surgery was 1.4/100000 (IRR 0.04, CI 0.01-0.15) in April. In June, tonsillar operation incidence started to increase (20.4 per 100 000). The incidence of tympanostomies was 81% lower (IRR 0.19, CI 0.09-0.39) in April 2020 and 61% lower (IRR 0.39, CI 0.22-0.69) in August 2020 than in 2017-2019. These incidence rates remained lower all year (December 2020 IRR 0.13, CI 0.05-0.33). Median waiting time for tonsillar surgery was 3.3 months in 2020 and 1.6 months in 2017 to 2019; P <.001, and for tympanostomies 1.3 months in 2020 and 1.0 months in 2017 to 2019, P <.001. The referral rate to otorhinolaryngology during the severest restrictions was 35% lower in April and May 2020 compared with the reference years.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the restrictions against COVID-19 reduced the incidence rates of tonsil surgery and tympanostomies in children. Also, the lockdown and cancellations of elective operations in spring 2020 led to increased waiting times. These findings may help in preparing for future pandemics.Level of evidence: Level 3.

Single Visit Evaluation and Tympanostomy Tube Placement for the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Children

OBJECTIVE

To review our experiences with development of a single visit surgery (SVS) program for children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) undergoing tympanostomy tube (TT) placement the same day as their otolaryngology surgical consultation.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

Retrospective series of patients participating in SVS from inception March 1, 2014 to April 30, 2020 were analyzed, with attention to factors associated with increasing interest and participation in SVS and parent experiences/satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 224 children had TT placed through SVS for AOM management. The average age of patients was 18.1 months (standard deviation 7.8 months), and 130 (58.0%) were male. The median interval between initial contact to schedule SVS, and the SVS date was 15 days (interquartile range 9-23 days). When analyzing year-over-year volumes from inception of SVS, notable increases were seen in 2016 and 2017 after a radio advertisement was played locally. A marked increase in volume was noted after implementation of a Decision Tree Scheduling (DTS) algorithm for children with recurrent AOM. Sixty-six (28.8%) procedures were performed after institution of DTS. A parent survey demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with the SVS experience. Estimations of savings to families in terms of time away from work demonstrated potential for indirect healthcare benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

SVS for TT placement was a successful, alternative model of care for management of children with AOM. Marketing strategies regarding SVS, and the inclusion of SVS pathway in DTS platforms increased rates of interest and choice of this option. Parents of children undergoing TT through SVS were satisfied with the overall experience.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV Laryngoscope, 2021.

Impact of Patient Socioeconomic Disparities on Time to Tympanostomy Tube Placement

OBJECTIVES

Extensive literature exists documenting disparities in access to healthcare for patients with lower socioeconomic status (SES). The objective of this study was to examine access disparities and differences in surgical wait times in children with the most common pediatric otolaryngologic surgery, tympanostomy tubes (TT).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary children's hospital. Children ages <18 years who received a first set of tympanostomy tubes during 2015 were studied. Patient demographics and markers of SES including zip code, health insurance type, and appointment no-shows were recorded. Clinical measures included risk factors, symptoms, and age at presentation and first TT.

RESULTS

A total of 969 patients were included. Average age at surgery was 2.11 years. Almost 90% were white and 67.5% had private insurance. Patients with public insurance, ≥1 no-show appointment, and who lived in zip codes with the median income below the United States median had a longer period from otologic consult and preoperative clinic to TT, but no differences were seen in race. Those with public insurance had their surgery at an older age than those with private insurance (P < .001) and were more likely to have chronic otitis media with effusion as their indication for surgery (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower SES is associated with chronic otitis media with effusion and a longer wait time from otologic consult and preoperative clinic to TT placement. By being transparent in socioeconomic disparities, we can begin to expose systemic problems and move forward with interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

In-office insertion tympanostomy tubes in children using single-pass device

OBJECTIVES

Insertion of tympanostomy tubes (TT) is generally accomplished in children in the operating room under general anesthesia. We report on 229 children treated in-office with a novel device.

METHODS

Investigators participated in an IRB-approved, prospective, single arm, multisite investigation of in-office TT placement in awake children. Topical anesthetic was applied, and protective restraint was used. TT placement was performed with a single-pass TT insertion device. Safety was assessed by monitoring procedural events.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty-four ears were treated in 229 children at 10 sites. Children were in age groups 6-24 months (n = 211, mean = 13 months) and 5-12 years (n = 18, mean = 8.3 years). Two hundred and fifteen children received bilateral TT placement, and 14 received unilateral placement. Overall, 226/229 (98.7%) children had successful TT placement in the office (209/211 in 6-24 months and 17/18 in 5-12 years). Three children were rescheduled for the operating room due to anatomical challenges or patient movement. Median procedure time for bilateral cases in both age groups was 4:53. Two minor adverse events (AEs) were reported in one patient. Per independent assessment of 30 procedure videos by clinicians, TT placement was tolerated acceptably by all children.

CONCLUSION

In-office TT placement in awake young children using topical anesthetic, enabled by a single pass delivery device, was safe, successful and well tolerated. The American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) recently released a Position Statement supporting in-office TT placement in appropriate children. These results affirm an in-office alternative for clinicians and parents who have concerns with the risk, inconvenience and cost of surgery in an operating room under general anesthesia.Level of Evidence: 2c.Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03544138.

[The short-term and long-term efficacy of balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty and tympanostomy tubes in children patients with recurrent otitis media with effusion]

Objective:To evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty（BET） and insertion of tympanostomy tubes in the treatment of recurrent otitis media with effusion（OME） in children, and to provide new ideas for the treatment of OME. Method:We made a retrospective analysis of 29 OME patients who had accepted BET and insertion of tympanostomy tubes in Beijing Children's Hospital. Their case history, the past history of insertion of tympanostomy tubes or adenoidectomy, and the audiometry and Eustachian tube function before surgery and 1 month, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and 36 months after surgery were recorded. Statistical software was used to evaluate the recovery of Eustachian tube function and the prognosis of OME. Result:The average pure tone audiometry（PTA） of 29 patients was 17.5, 22.5, 18.5, 22.5, 18.5, 22.5, 22.5 dB at 1 month, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and 36 months postoperatively. All the 29 patients'PTA was normal. ETS before surgery was 2.404±2.168. ETS of 1 month, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months after surgery was 4.064±3.003, 5.230±2.790, 5.787±2.170, 6.490±2.292 respectively. There was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative（P<0.01）. Conclusion:BET was a safe and reliable surgery for the treatment of OME in children. Its obvious effect was manifested at least 9 months after surgery. Therefore, tympanostomy tubes and BET were recommended doing at the same time for the treatment of OME with eustachian tube dysfunction. At the same time, in order to decrease the risk of recurrent OME, we recommended to take the tubes out until 12 months after surgery.

Prospective Evaluation of a Smartphone Otoscope for Home Tympanostomy Tube Surveillance: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

Recent technological advances have led to the capability of performing high resolution imaging of the tympanic membrane. Smartphone technologies and applications have provided the opportunity to capture digital images and easily share them. The smartphone otoscope device was developed as a simple system that can convert a smartphone into a digital otoscope. This device has the prospective ability to improve physician-patient communication and assist with the diagnosis and management of ear disease. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and physician/parental satisfaction using the Cellscope® smartphone attachment for at home tympanostomy tube monitoring.

METHODS

Children between 6 months and 15 years of age at an urban tertiary children's hospital that were scheduled for bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion or underwent bilateral tympanostomy tube surgery were prospectively enrolled in the study. Comparisons were made between parental home-recorded videos and findings during in-office otoscopy. Two independent otolaryngologists reviewed the videos and concordance between inter-rater agreements was calculated. Acceptability and use questionnaires were administered to physicians and parents.

RESULTS

There was good intra-rater agreement between traditional otoscopy and video-otoscopy for tube extruding, tube blocked and tube extruded with at least 80% agreement (P < .05) and excellent inter-rater agreement between physicians for nearly all tube variables (P < .0001) There was a high degree of satisfaction with this mode of surveillance. Parents and physicians agreed that the CellScope® smartphone was easy to use, helpful with the occurrence of acute events, and appeared to improve quality of care.

CONCLUSIONS

The CellScope® smartphone is feasible for use in tympanostomy tube surveillance. Use of the device may allow otolaryngologists to easily follow a child's tympanostomy tube remotely over time and offer greater parental satisfaction.

Long-term Impact of Middle Ear Effusion in Pediatric Tympanostomy Tubes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT) is the most common pediatric surgery in the United States. Intraoperative middle ear effusion (MEE) is a risk factor for future BMTs in children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). However, the impact of the type of MEE is unknown. Here, we assess otologic outcomes based on intraoperative MEE type and indication for surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series chart review.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, we performed a review of children undergoing BMTs between 2008 and 2009. Included patients had their first BMT, preoperative visit, and an operative report. Patients with cleft palate or Down syndrome were excluded. Indications for surgery included RAOM and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). Other variables evaluated were future BMT, acquired cholesteatoma, and otorrhea. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 1,045 patients reviewed, 680 were included and underwent their first BMT. There were 619 patients who had RAOM. Serous effusions were present in 22.2%, mucoid in 31.3%, purulent in 12.9%, undocumented or bloody in 2.3% of patients, and 31.2% of patients had dry middle ears. Moreover, 22.7% of patients underwent future BMTs. In RAOM patients, serous effusions decreased odds of perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.195, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0438-0.867, P = .032), and purulent effusions increased the odds of in-office otorrhea suctioning (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20-3.77, P = .010) compared to dry. Mucoid effusions had no significant effect on outcomes in COME or RAOM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative MEEs were noted in 68.7% of cases; purulent effusions increase the odds of in-office suctioning in RAOM patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E993-E997, 2021.

Long-Term Otitis Media Outcomes in Infants With Early Tympanostomy Tubes

OBJECTIVE

To review the otologic outcomes of infants who failed the newborn hearing screen (NBHS) and received early tympanostomy tubes for otitis media with effusion (OME).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (2007-2018) who failed an NBHS and required tympanostomy tubes before 6 months of age were included. Variables including hearing loss and otitis media risk factors, episodes of acute otitis media (AOM), number of subsequent tympanostomy tubes, and posttympanostomy tube audiogram results were recorded.

RESULTS

The cohort included 171 patients. Median age at referral to otolaryngology was 2.7 months. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was subsequently identified in 22 (12.9%) of infants after resolution of the effusion. The peak incidence of AOM was during the second year of life (1-1.9 years), with a median of 1 episode. Ninety-five patients (55.6%) had replacement of tubes, 41 of 171 (24.0%) had 2 or more additional sets of tubes, and long-term tubes were eventually placed in 8 of 95 (8.4%) patients. Craniofacial anomalies were identified in 43.3% of patients. Tube replacement (hazard ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.95-4.63; P < .01, log-rank) and AOM (β, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.43-1.65; P = .04, ordered logistic regression) were more common, and SNHL less common (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.031-0.61; P < .01, logistic regression), in children with craniofacial anomalies.

CONCLUSION

OME is a common cause of failed NBHS. A notable proportion was subsequently found to have SNHL, reiterating the need for postoperative hearing assessments. Infants meeting indication for early tympanostomy tubes for resolution of OME have a high incidence of recurrent AOM and require subsequent tubes.

Tympanostomy Tube Controversies and Issues: State-of-the-Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To review current pragmatic issues and controversies related to tympanostomy tubes in children, in the context of current best research evidence plus expert opinion to provide nuance, address uncertainties, and fill evidence gaps.

METHODS

Each issue or controversy is followed by the relevant current best evidence, expert insight and opinion, and recommendations for action. The role of expert opinion and experience in forming conclusions is inversely related to the quality, consistency, and adequacy of published evidence. Conclusions are combined with opportunities for shared decision-making with caregivers to recommend pragmatic actions for clinicians in everyday settings.

RESULTS

The issues and controversies discussed include (1) appropriate tube indications, (2) rationale for not recommending tubes for recurrent acute otitis media without persistent middle ear effusion, (3) role of tubes in at-risk children with otitis media with effusion, (4) role of new, automated tube insertion devices, (5) appropriateness and feasibility of in-office tube insertion in awake children, (6) managing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acute tube otorrhea, and (7) managing recurrent or persistent tube otorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a substantial, and constantly growing, volume of high-level evidence on managing children with tympanostomy tubes, there will always be gaps, uncertainties, and controversies that benefit from clinician experience and expert opinion. In that regard, the issues discussed in this review article will hopefully aid clinicians in everyday, pragmatic management decisions.

Oxymetazoline, Mupirocin, Clotrimazole-Safe, Effective, Off-Label Agents for Tympanostomy Tube Care

OBJECTIVES

Only a few medications have a United States Food and Drug Administration indications for prevention and/or treatment of infections in patients with tympanic perforations or tympanostomy tubes. We examined 3 off-label agents that have become important in tympanostomy tube care hoping to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of each in experimental assays and human application.

METHODS

Computerized literature review.

RESULTS

(1) Oxymetazoline nasal spray applied at the time of surgery is equivalent to fluoroquinolone ear drops in the prevention of early postsurgical otorrhea and tympanostomy tube occlusion at the first postoperative visit. (2) Topical mupirocin 2% ointment is effective alone or in combination with culture-directed systemic therapy for the treatment of tympanostomy tube otorrhea caused by community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. (3) Topical clotrimazole 1% cream is highly active against the common yeast and fungi that cause otomycosis. A single application after microscopic debridement will cure fungal tympanostomy tube otorrhea in most cases. None of these 3 agents is ototoxic in animal histological or physiological studies, and each has proved safe in long-term clinical use.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxymetazoline nasal spray, mupirocin ointment, and clotrimazole cream are safe and effective as off-label medications for tympanostomy tube care in children.

Consulting Dr. Google: Quality of Online Resources About Tympanostomy Tube Placement

OBJECTIVE

Tympanostomy tube (TT) placement is common in children; however, family-centeredness and utility of online information used for decision making and understanding is unknown. We evaluate the quality of leading Internet resources describing TT placement.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive design.

METHODS

We performed a Google (Menlo Park, CA) search for terms related to TTs. We defined quality using scaled readability measures (Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade-Level), understandability and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool), shared decision-making centrality (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services informed consent guidelines), and clinical practice guideline (CPG) compatibility. Three reviewers coded each measure. Fleiss κ interrater reliability analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Ten most frequently encountered websites were analyzed. One of 10 met national health literacy standards (mean 10th-grade level reading, median 9th, range 6-15th). All sites were understandable (mean understandability 81.9%, range 73%-92%). Most had low actionability scores (7 of 10, median 47%, mean 44.6%, range 0-80). Shared decision-making centrality was high (mean 5, range 4-6), but most did not list alternative treatment options. Although CPG compatibility was high (mean 3.4, range 1-4), many websites contained inconsistent recommendations about tube duration, follow-up, and water precautions. There was inter-rater agreement for understandability scoring (κ = 0.20; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Internet resources about TT placement vary in quality pertaining to health literacy, principles of shared decision making, and consistency with practice guidelines. With growing emphasis on patient-/family-centered engagement in healthcare decision making, standardization of content and improved usability of educational materials for common surgical procedures in children such as tympanostomy tube placement should be a public health priority.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:496-501, 2018.

Does Acute Otitis Media in the First Month of Life Increase the Risk for Recurrent Otitis?

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness. The aim of this study was to assess whether AOM in the first month of life predicts recurrent AOM (rAOM) in early childhood. The medical records of all neonates with AOM and isolation of bacterial pathogen from middle-ear fluid during 2005-2010 were reviewed. Neonates without AOM admitted during the same period for neonatal fever workup were included as controls. Information regarding rAOM and possible risk factors were collected through a phone interview with the parents. A total of 84 neonates with AOM were enrolled; 25 (30%) had rAOM compared with 8/79 (10%) in the control group. Neonatal AOM increases 4-fold the odds of rAOM later in childhood (odds ratio = 4; 95% CI = 1.44-11.42; P = .008), independent of smoke exposure, numbers of siblings, AOM in siblings, breastfeeding, day care attendance, or use of pacifier. Neonatal AOM is a significant risk factor for rAOM during infancy.

[Analysis and treatment of postoperative blockage of tympanic ventilation tubes]

Objective:To explore the occurrence and treatment of complications of postoperative blockage of tympanic ventilation tubes.Method:Two hundred and four patients(278 ears)with otitis media with effusion(OME) who received tympanostomy tube insertion from February 2010 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed．Ofloxacin ear drops was introduced into 80 ears in 59 patients undergoing myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. In a follow-up period of 1,3,6,12 months,if the blockage is caused by viscid secretion,blood clot or cerumen,4% of sodium bicarbonate ear drops were used to treat patients. 3% aquae hydrogenii dioxidi and Ofloxacin ear drops were used on the patients with purulent otorrhea.Result:In the 198 ears without Ofloxacin ear drops treatment,postoperative tube obstruction occurred in 16 ears(8 of viscid secretion,3 of blood clot,3 of cerumen and 2 of purulent otorrhea). Of the 59 patients who received Ofloxacin ear drops treatment,seven ears experienced blocked tubes(1 of viscid secretion,1 of blood clot,4 of cerumen and 1 of purulent otorrhea).Conclusion:The complication of postoperative blockage of tympanic ventilation tubes is common. Relative prevention and therapy should be performed during intraoperative and postoperative procedures. Short term treatment of Ofloxacin ear drops can prevent postoperative blockage of tympanic ventilation tubes and infection.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Receipt of Pressure Equalization Tubes Among US Children, 2014

OBJECTIVE

Pressure equalization tube (PET) placement (also referred to as tympanostomy tube placement) is among the most common ambulatory surgical procedures performed on US children. More than 20 years ago, differences according to race/ethnicity in the national prevalence of having had PETs placed were documented. Whether these differences persist is unknown.

METHODS

We used data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey to examine the percentage of children 0 to 17 years of age who have ever undergone PET placement. Unadjusted logistic regression with predictive margins was used to assess the relationship between having received PETs and race/ethnicity, as well as other clinical, socioeconomic, and geographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether other factors could account for any observed differences according to race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Overall, 8.9% of children 0 to 17 years of age had undergone PET surgery. By race/ethnicity, 12.6% of non-Hispanic white children received PETs, which was significantly greater than the 4.8% of non-Hispanic black, 4.4% of Hispanic, and 5.6% of non-Hispanic other/multiple race children who had this surgery (P < .001 for all comparisons). In multivariable analysis, the adjusted prevalence for non-Hispanic white children (10.8%) was greater than for non-Hispanic black (5.4%) and Hispanic (5.8%) children (P < .001 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 9% of US children have had PETs placed. Non-Hispanic white children still have a greater prevalence of PET placement compared with non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children. These differences could not be fully explained by other demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, or geographic differences between racial/ethnic groups.

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.

Nonadherence to Guideline Recommendations for Tympanostomy Tube Insertion in Children Based on Mega-database Claims Analysis

Objective To estimate the nonadherence rate of pressure equalization (tympanostomy) tube (PET) placement in the preceding 3-year period before release of the 2013 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline (CPG). Study Design Analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases (2010-2012). Subjects and Methods Medical claims data from 2010 to 2012 were analyzed. Children aged ≤12 years with otitis media (OM)-related diagnoses were identified. Adherence and nonadherence rates for OM and PET placement were analyzed through administrative codes extrapolated from the key action statements (KASs) of the CPG. KASs were aggregated to estimate the overall nonadherence and determine areas for quality improvement. Results A total of 9,726,411 visits with OM-associated codes among 3,710,730 children were identified: 2.9% (80,451 of 3,239,700) were considered nonadherent to KAS 1 because a code for PET placement occurred with a first episode of OM with effusion <3 months; 52.1% (14,534 of 27,913) underwent PET placement for OM with effusion of >3 months and had a concurrent hearing loss code. For those without hearing loss who underwent PET placement, 48.3% (52,921 of 109,583) had a diagnosis code indicating risk for speech, language, or learning problems. For each KAS, we found heterogeneity of computed nonadherence rates by region, age, and season. Conclusion Before guideline dissemination, we found low to moderate rates of nonadherence to guideline recommendation. Deeper analysis of mega-databases could provide better insights for measurement of guideline adherence. The expansion of administrative and clinical databases provides a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of CPGs.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion Executive Summary (Update)

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has published a supplement to this issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery featuring the updated "Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion." To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 18 recommendations developed emphasize diagnostic accuracy, identification of children who are most susceptible to developmental sequelae from otitis media with effusion, and education of clinicians and patients regarding the favorable natural history of most otitis media with effusion and the lack of efficacy for medical therapy (eg, steroids, antihistamines, decongestants). An updated guideline is needed due to new clinical trials, new systematic reviews, and the lack of consumer participation in the initial guideline development group.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update)

OBJECTIVE

This update of a 2004 guideline codeveloped by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, provides evidence-based recommendations to manage otitis media with effusion (OME), defined as the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection. Changes from the prior guideline include consumer advocates added to the update group, evidence from 4 new clinical practice guidelines, 20 new systematic reviews, and 49 randomized control trials, enhanced emphasis on patient education and shared decision making, a new algorithm to clarify action statement relationships, and new and expanded recommendations for the diagnosis and management of OME.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this multidisciplinary guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in managing OME and to create explicit and actionable recommendations to implement these opportunities in clinical practice. Specifically, the goals are to improve diagnostic accuracy, identify children who are most susceptible to developmental sequelae from OME, and educate clinicians and patients regarding the favorable natural history of most OME and the clinical benefits for medical therapy (eg, steroids, antihistamines, decongestants). Additional goals relate to OME surveillance, hearing and language evaluation, and management of OME detected by newborn screening. The target patient for the guideline is a child aged 2 months through 12 years with OME, with or without developmental disabilities or underlying conditions that predispose to OME and its sequelae. The guideline is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage children with OME, and it applies to any setting in which OME would be identified, monitored, or managed. This guideline, however, does not apply to patients <2 months or >12 years old.

ACTION STATEMENTS

The update group made strong recommendations that clinicians (1) should document the presence of middle ear effusion with pneumatic otoscopy when diagnosing OME in a child; (2) should perform pneumatic otoscopy to assess for OME in a child with otalgia, hearing loss, or both; (3) should obtain tympanometry in children with suspected OME for whom the diagnosis is uncertain after performing (or attempting) pneumatic otoscopy; (4) should manage the child with OME who is not at risk with watchful waiting for 3 months from the date of effusion onset (if known) or 3 months from the date of diagnosis (if onset is unknown); (5) should recommend against using intranasal or systemic steroids for treating OME; (6) should recommend against using systemic antibiotics for treating OME; and (7) should recommend against using antihistamines, decongestants, or both for treating OME.The update group made recommendations that clinicians (1) should document in the medical record counseling of parents of infants with OME who fail a newborn screening regarding the importance of follow-up to ensure that hearing is normal when OME resolves and to exclude an underlying sensorineural hearing loss; (2) should determine if a child with OME is at increased risk for speech, language, or learning problems from middle ear effusion because of baseline sensory, physical, cognitive, or behavioral factors; (3) should evaluate at-risk children for OME at the time of diagnosis of an at-risk condition and at 12 to 18 months of age (if diagnosed as being at risk prior to this time); (4) should not routinely screen children for OME who are not at risk and do not have symptoms that may be attributable to OME, such as hearing difficulties, balance (vestibular) problems, poor school performance, behavioral problems, or ear discomfort; (5) should educate children with OME and their families regarding the natural history of OME, need for follow-up, and the possible sequelae; (6) should obtain an age-appropriate hearing test if OME persists for 3 months or longer OR for OME of any duration in an at-risk child; (7) should counsel families of children with bilateral OME and documented hearing loss about the potential impact on speech and language development; (8) should reevaluate, at 3- to 6-month intervals, children with chronic OME until the effusion is no longer present, significant hearing loss is identified, or structural abnormalities of the eardrum or middle ear are suspected; (9) should recommend tympanostomy tubes when surgery is performed for OME in a child <4 years old; adenoidectomy should not be performed unless a distinct indication exists (nasal obstruction, chronic adenoiditis); (10) should recommend tympanostomy tubes, adenoidectomy, or both when surgery is performed for OME in a child ≥4 years old; and (11) should document resolution of OME, improved hearing, or improved quality of life when managing a child with OME.

Modeled Analysis of Entrance of Colloid Suspensions into the Middle Ear Cavity

Otic suspensions have a positive effect on the duration of otorrhea in children with a tympanostomy tube. It is still questionable how eardrops reach the middle ear. We hypothesized that otic suspensions do not pass the tympanostomy tube if the middle ear is dry but pass by diffusion when wet. The median concentration of Evans blue (colorant) in the middle ear was <15.6 mg/mL (lower limit of quantification) when diffusion was impossible but 45.3 µg/mL when diffusion was possible (P = .01). When the outward flow was increased to 0.1 mL/h, the concentration of Evans blue in the middle ear increased significantly (P = .03). With further-increasing outward flows, the concentration of Evans blue decreased linearly (β = -144, P < .001, R (2) = 0.44). We conclude that diffusion is the mechanism by which otic suspensions enter the middle ear in children with tympanostomy tubes and otorrhea.

Infectious complications and ventilation tubes in pediatric cochlear implant recipients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

At many centers, ventilating tubes (VTs) are placed routinely in otitis-prone pediatric cochlear implant recipients. However, this practice is controversial, as many otologists believe VTs represent a possible route for contamination of the device. Toward better understanding of the safety of VTs, we reviewed our center's infectious complications and their relationship to the presence of tubes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All patients undergoing cochlear implantation at our institution between 1990 and 2012 were reviewed for complications and their association with the presence of VTs.

RESULTS

A total of 478 patients (557 ears) were reviewed, representing over 2,978 patient-years of follow-up. In 135 ears (24.2%), a VT was present at time of, or placed at some point after, implantation. The remainder either never had a VT or it had extruded prior to implantation. Overall, 63 complications occurred, of which 17 were infectious. The most common were cellulitis (four), device infection (five), and meningitis (four). Only one occurred while a tube was present, and was a device infection in an ear having a retained VT in place for almost 4 years. No difference was observed in overall rates of infectious complications between the group with VTs and those who never had VTs.

CONCLUSIONS

This series, the largest to date, indicates that infectious complications after cochlear implantation are rarely associated with the presence of VTs, supporting the concept that, overall, VTs are safe in cochlear implant recipients. Close monitoring is essential, including prompt removal of tubes when they are no longer needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1671-1676, 2016.

[Clinical comparative study on the treatment characteristics of secretory otitis media between cleft and non-cleft palate patients]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the treatment characteristics of secretory otitis media (SOM) in cleft palate children.

METHODS

A total of 319 patients (524 ears) with SOM and cleft palate (3-14 years old) who accepted treatment were divided into experiment group A, group B, and group C according to effusion characteristics in the middle ear and tympanic pressure. Group A included 112 patients with serous effusion (198 ears). Group B included 162 patients with mucinous effusion (248 ears). Group C included 45 patients (78 ears) with negative pressure in the middle ear without effusion and an acoustic immittance. A total of 208 patients (246 ears) with SOM and tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy were divided into control group Al, group B1, and group Cl matched with the same effusion characteristics in the middle ear and tympanic pressure. Group A and Al accepted puncture in the tympanic cavity, group B and B1 accepted tympanostomy tubes, and group C and Cl accepted puncture in the tympanic cavity after palatoplasty, adenoidectomy, and tonsillectomy. All groups were treated with antibiotics and ear drops. Cure rate and recurrence rate between the experiment group and the control group were compared.

RESULTS

The control group had a better cure rate [93.09% (229/246)] than the experiment group [77.29% (405/524)] 12 months after treatment. The experiment group had a higher recurrence rate [14.57% (59/405)] than the control group [3.93% (9/229)]. Statistical differences were observed between the two groups (P<0.05). SOM with cleft palate initially had a low cure rate, and thus it was treated repeatedly for many times.

CONCLUSION

SOM with cleft palate is different from normal otitis media in terms of clinical manifestation, treatment, outcome, and prognosis. This case should be considered a special otitis media to be treated with special examination and therapy to obtain better results. Repeated puncture in the tympanic cavity and tympanostomy tubes for six months according to effusion characteristics are better treatment options for patients with SOM and cleft palate.

Tympanostomy tubes: patient selection and special considerations

Indications for tympanostomy tube (TT) placement in children with chronic serous effusions and hearing loss are fairly well established. The use of TTs for children with recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) has not been studied as extensively as for those with hearing loss from middle-ear effusions. There is a subset of children who fall outside established guidelines for either of the preceding categories who may benefit from TT placement. The indications for TT placement in children with middle-ear disease are discussed.

Payment analysis of two diagnosis and management approaches of acute otitis media

We determined the cost of care for 2 diagnosis and management approaches for acute otitis media (AOM) among children 6 to 30 months old. A case-control design was used. Cases included 208 children diagnosed with AOM based on a bulging tympanic membrane (TM) and treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate. Controls (5:1 ratio) included 1020 children with AOM diagnosed not requiring bulging of the TM and treated with amoxicillin. Fewer cases (49%) than controls (69%) were diagnosed with AOM (P < .001), fewer were diagnosed with recurrent AOM or AOM treatment failure (0.34 vs 1.6/child; P < .0001), and fewer had insertion of tympanostomy tubes (6.3% vs 14.8%) due to recurrent AOM (P < .0001). The combined direct payments and indirect costs for management of AOM were $539/case versus $1,023/control. Using Rochester NY payments generalized to the US birth cohort, this case diagnosis and treatment strategy could save $1.008 billion per year.

Surgical treatments for otitis media with effusion: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The near universality of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children makes a comparative review of treatment modalities important. This study's objective was to compare the effectiveness of surgical strategies currently used for managing OME.

METHODS

We identified 3 recent systematic reviews and searched 4 major electronic databases. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized trials, and cohort studies that compared myringotomy, adenoidectomy, tympanostomy tubes (tubes), and watchful waiting. Using established criteria, pairs of reviewers independently selected, extracted data, rated risk of bias, and graded strength of evidence of relevant studies. We incorporated meta-analyses from the earlier reviews and synthesized additional evidence qualitatively.

RESULTS

We identified 41 unique studies through the earlier reviews and our independent searches. In comparison with watchful waiting or myringotomy (or both), tubes decreased time with OME and improved hearing; no specific tube type was superior. Adenoidectomy alone, as an adjunct to myringotomy, or combined with tubes, reduced OME and improved hearing in comparison with either myringotomy or watchful waiting. Tubes and watchful waiting did not differ in language, cognitive, or academic outcomes. Otorrhea and tympanosclerosis were more common in ears with tubes. Adenoidectomy increased the risk of postsurgical hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubes and adenoidectomy reduce time with OME and improve hearing in the short-term. Both treatments have associated harms. Large, well-controlled studies could help resolve the risk-benefit ratio by measuring acute otitis media recurrence, functional outcomes, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. Research is needed to support treatment decisions in subpopulations, particularly in patients with comorbidities.

Clinical practice guideline: tympanostomy tubes in children--executive summary

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue featuring the new Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children. To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 12 recommendations developed address patient selection, surgical indications for and management of tympanostomy tubes in children. The development group broadly discussed indications for tube placement, perioperative management, care of children with indwelling tubes, and outcomes of tympanostomy tube surgery. Given the lack of current published guidance on surgical indications, the group focused on situations in which tube insertion would be optional, recommended, or not recommended. Additional emphasis was placed on opportunities for quality improvement, particularly regarding shared decision making and care of children with existing tubes.

Reducing the frequency of acute otitis media by individualized care

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine if use of more stringent diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media (AOM) than currently advocated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, tympanocentesis and pathogen-specific antibiotic treatment (individualized care) would result in reducing the incidence of recurrent AOM and consequent tympanostomy tube surgery.

METHODS

A 5-year longitudinal, prospective study in Rochester, NY, was conducted from July 2006 to July 2011 involving 254 individualized care children. When this individualized care group developed symptoms of AOM, strict diagnostic criteria were applied and a tympanocentesis was performed. Pathogen resistance to empiric high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate (80 mg/kg of amoxicillin component) caused a change in antibiotic to an optimized choice. Legacy controls (n = 208) were diagnosed with the same diagnostic criteria by the same physicians as the individualized care group and received the same empiric amoxicillin/clavulanate (80 mg/kg of amoxicillin component) but no tympanocentesis or change in antibiotic. Community control children (n = 1020) were diagnosed according to current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and treated with high-dose amoxicillin (80 mg/kg) without tympanocentesis as guideline recommended.

RESULTS

5.9% of children of the individualized care group compared with 14.4% of Legacy controls and 27.3% of community controls became otitis prone, defined as 3 episodes of AOM within a 6-month time span or 4 AOM episodes within a 12-month time span (P < 0.0001). 2.4% of the individualized care group compared with 6.3% of Legacy controls, and 14.8% of community controls received tympanostomy tubes (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized care of AOM significantly reduces the frequency of AOM and tympanostomy tube surgery. Use of strict diagnostic criteria for AOM and empiric antibiotic treatment using evidence-based knowledge of circulating otopathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile also produces improved outcomes.