Recurrent tube insertion for chronic otitis media with effusion in children over 6 years

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics of children above 6 years of age with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) who have required pressure equalizing tube (PET) insertions. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of all children above the age of 6 years, who underwent PET insertion due to chronic OME, between 2000 and 2009 at a tertiary care institution. Children were also divided into those with a single PET and those with ≥2 PET. Comparison of various characteristics between the two groups was undertaken. Results290 children were identified as having at least one PET insertion after the age of 6 years. 45.5% of the children underwent a single PET insertion while 54.5% underwent 2 procedures or more. No significant gender-based difference was observed. In those patients requiring ≥2 PET, 65.2% also underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy compared to only 53.8% of children with a single PET intervention (p<0.05). Asthma, trisomy 21 and cleft palate, were more common in those children who had undergone ≥2 PET (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). ConclusionsChildren above 6 years of age who have undergone ≥2 PET insertions for COME demonstrated an increased rate of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Trisomy 21, cleft palate and particularly, asthma, were also found to be risk factors for COME necessitating ≥2 PET insertions.