Complications of otitis media: the importance of early recognition.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are important for the early diagnosis of intracranial and intratemporal complications of otitis media.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study design was a retrospective follow-up study.

SETTING

The study took place at a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS: The medical history of 23 patients with intracranial and intratemporal complications of otitis media was analyzed.

INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, initial diagnosis, final diagnosis, early presenting symptoms, otoscopic findings, time interval between the first manifestation of symptoms and the start of therapy, and follow-up status were measured.

RESULTS

In almost all patients, early symptoms included persisting fever and headache. High morbidity and mortality were correlated to a prolonged time interval between the early symptomatology and start of treatment. Doctor's delay was regarded as the most significant delaying factor.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of otogenic complications of otitis media based on the early symptoms persisting fever and headache can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these complications.