Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis: Which Factors Influence CT Scan Prescription and Surgical Intervention? A Multivariate Analysis.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with computed tomography (CT) scan prescription and surgical intervention in pediatric patients with acute mastoiditis (AM).

METHODS

Children with AM admitted to Modena University Hospital over a 10-year period were retrospectively divided into 3 groups: those who did not undergo a CT scan nor surgery (Group A); those who underwent a CT scan but not surgery (Group B); and those who underwent CT scan and surgery (Group C). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine possible differences among groups in terms of clinical and laboratory variables.

RESULTS

In total, 80 patients were included (57 Group A, 22 Group B, 13 Group C). Factors independently associated with CT scan prescription and surgical intervention were WBC count (P = .015 and .041, respectively), CRP (P = .001 and .003, respectively), and at-home antibiotic adminis-tration (P= .008 and .039, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Laboratory parameters may be helpful in guiding pediatric AM management. Antibiotic treatment prior to admission is associated with a worse clinical picture.