Is facial pattern a predisposing factor for otitis media with effusion in children?

Cláudio De Góis Nery,Fernando Stefanato Buranello,Cícero Pereira,Renata Cantisani Di Francesco

doi:10.1590/s1808-86942011000100014

Cláudio De Góis Nery, Fernando Stefanato Buranello + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s1808-86942011000100014

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Abstract

AbstractAbnormalities in craniofacial morphology are associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion (OME).Aim: to evaluate the relationship between facial pattern and craniofacial growth direction, and OME in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids (ETA).Methods: Clinical prospective survey in 79 children (41 male and 38 female), ranging from 4 to 10 years of age, with tonsil and adenoid enlargement (Brodsky's grades III and IV). Forty children presented with OME (study group) and 39 did not (control group). Cephalometric analysis was used to determine the facial pattern.Results: There was no correlation observed between facial pattern and OME (c 2 = 0.25 p = 0.88). Facial Axis was larger in the OME group (F(1.75) = 3.68 p = 0.05) and the Lower Anterior Facial height was smaller (F(1. 75) = 3.99 p = 0.05) in children with otitis media with effusion.Conclusions: There was no correlation between OME and facial pattern in children with ETA although a more horizontal facial growth direction, and a smaller lower anterior facial height was observed consistently among subjects in this group. This suggests that abnormal positioning of the eustachian tube influences the development of OME in children with ETA.

Highlights

There was no correlation between otitis media with effusion (OME) and facial pattern in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids (ETA) a more horizontal facial growth direction, and a smaller lower anterior facial height was observed consistently among subjects in this group
This suggests that abnormal positioning of the eustachian tube influences the development of OME in children with ETA
Abnormalities in the craniofacial morphology are associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion (OME)[1]

Summary

Introduction

Abnormalities in the craniofacial morphology are associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion (OME)[1]. Pautow reported that the Eustachian Tube morphology is associated with the shape of the head[2]. Brachyfacial adult individuals tend to have narrower tubes, and more otitis. These results corroborate the statement of other authors who reported that otitis media is common in Brachyfacial patients[3,4]. One of the most frequent conditions associated with OME is enlarged pharyngeal and palatine tonsills[5]. Not all children in school age with enlarged pharyngeal and palatine tonsils develop OME6

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