An analysis on the relationship between indwelling time after tube insertion and recurrence in children with secretory otitis media

Abstract

Objective:To analyze the relationship between indwelling time after tube insertion and recurrence after tube removal or extrusion in children with secretory otitis media(SOM). Method:Medical history and clinical data obtained by follow-up were analyzed in 465 pediatric patients with SOM who underwent tube insertion. Result:①331 of 465 children were followed up, including 220 males(66.47%), 111 females(33.53%), totally 576 ears in which SOM recurred in 177 ears after tube removal or extrusion with the recurrence rate of 30.73%. The average age was (4.69±2.18) years old in children who underwent tube insertion, gathering at age of 3 to 6 years. The average indwelling time was（9.96±3.72）months for all ears, while(8.59±3.49) months in recurrent ears, and(10.57±3.65) months in healing ears. The recurrence rate was 46.09% in ears in which indwelling time less than 6 months. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with recurrent SOM after tube removal or extrusion was 59.62%, which was higher than the overall prevalence rate of 38.67%. ②Of 177 ears, a second time of the tube insertion was performed in 79 ears (44.63%). The average of the initial indwelling time was(7.50±3.40) months in children with recurrent SOM. The prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis in children who underwent a second time of the tube insertion was 68.09%, which was higher than rate of 29.07% in children cured. Conclusion:SOM was inclined to recur in 3-6 year old children. The shorter indwelling time and with allergic rhinitis in children, the higher recurrence rate after tube removal or extrusion. The recurrence rate was significantly lower when indwelling time was more than 13 months.