Complications of squamosal type of chronic otitis media- its management in a tertiary care centre

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<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic otitis media of squamosal type is inflammation of the middle ear cleft presenting with recurrent ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation. The disease spectrum ranges from mild to severe forms of complications. The aim is to find the incidence of complications of unsafe CSOM, its management and the demographic profile associated with it.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This hospital-based observational study was carried out on 25 patients admitted in the ENT department of a tertiary care centre during a period of 1 year. Diagnosis was made by taking a thorough history, clinical, audiological and radiological investigations. The data collected were tabulated in Microsoft excel worksheet and the variables were summarized as percentages and proportions.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 25 patients, 9 patients had complications and the most common extracranial and intracranial complications were mastoid abscess and brain abscess respectively. Complications were more common in the age group of 11-20 years. In all the patients, multiple intravenous antibiotics were given covering gram positive, gram negative and anaerobic organisms. The intracranial complications were managed by neurosurgery or neurology followed by mastoidectomy to eradicate the disease at source.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Significant decrease has been seen in the incidence of complications and mortality due to availability of newer and effective antibiotics along with early diagnosis and intervention. However, they are still prevalent among the lower socio-economic strata, poor hygiene and overcrowding communities. This study was aimed at creating awareness among the population to avail medical treatment at the earliest possible to avoid complications.</p>