Clinical Evaluation of Children with Otitis Media with Effusion Oserved Five Years after Insertion of Ventilation Tubes -Crucial factors for Refractory Cases-

Abstract

We investigated the otological condition of young patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). Of the patients who underwent the first insertion of ventilation tubes from April 1993through March 1994,55 children (103 ears) have been followed up so far. Their ages ranged from 2to 11 years. Eleven of 55 children were still affected with OME either unilaterally or bilaterally. Their refractory cases accounted for 20.0%. Crucial factors for refractory OME include age of the first onset of OMA or OME, condition of the tympanic membrane, existence of cholesterin crystals in effusion in the middle ear, and maturity of the mastoid antrum.