Helicobacter pylori in the adenoid of children with and without otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been found in tonsil, adenoid, and sinonasal tissues. The adenoid plays a key role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). In this study, we further investigate the difference in colonization by HP in the adenoid of children with and without OME. Methods: Thirty-five consecutive children who underwent grommet insertion for chronic OME (OME group, 19 patients) or adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS group, 16 patients) were prospectively enrolled. The patients who had taken antibiotics, bismuth compounds or H2-receptor blockers, or had a history of adenotonsillitis or sinusitis for 3 weeks prior to surgery were excluded. A 2–3 mm diameter specimen was obtained from the adenoid via nasoendoscope, and placed in Pronto Dry kits (Medical Instruments Corp., Solothurn, Switzerland) to detect the presence of HP. A pink-magenta color change in the external ring of the prepared kits indicated a positive reaction for HP. Results: There were 13 girls and 22 boys. The Pronto Dry test results were positive in 4 patients (11.4%) and negative in 31 patients (88.6%). The HP positive rate in the OME and OSAS groups were 21.1% (4/19) and 0% (0/16), respectively (Fisher exact test, P = 0.11). Conclusion: HP does in fact colonize human adenoid tissue (11.4%). Although the presence of HP in the adenoid of children with OME seemed to have a higher positive rate than in the adenoid of children without OME, it showed no statistical significance. Due to our small patient group, a more extended study is needed.