Prediction of Fluid Characteristics in Pediatric Otitis Media with Effusion from the Tympanometry

Abstract

Objective: To correlate the characteristics of type B tympanogram with the type of middle ear fluid in children suffering from persistent OME. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted on children with persistent OME for more than 3 months who failed to respond to medical treatment with type B tympanogram in one or both ears and were candidate for myringotomy. The middle ear fluid was aspirated and the viscosity of the fluid was evaluated objectively by measuring the diameter of the diffusion circle on a filter paper in mm. Results: Thirty eight children (70 ears) were enrolled in this study. The shape of type B tympanogram was either flat (67.14%) or peaked (32.86 %).Three fluid types were noticed in OME namely serous, mucoid and glue. The shape was highly correlated with the type of secretions. Compliance and gradient of type B tympanogram were negatively correlated with the viscosity of the secretions. Conclusion: Tympanometry is a beneficial clinical tool in prediction, diagnosis and management of OME. Characteristics of type B tympanogram were correlated with the viscosity of middle ear fluid. Detailed analysis of type B tympanogram can assist the clinicians in determining the indication of comprehensive treatment.