Mastoid Abscess in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Mastoid Abscess in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Mazita Ami, Zahirrudin Zakaria, Bee See Goh, Asma Abdullah, Lokman Saim
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Mastoid Abscess in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mastoid abscess is a known complication of otitis media, persisting despite advances in antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with mastoid abscesses following acute (AOM) and chronic otitis media (COM) and to outline effective management strategies. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent mastoidectomy for mastoid abscess from January 2002 to December 2007 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), revealing clinical presentations, associated complications, and outcomes.
The Role of Immunocompromised Conditions
In this study, 12 patients with mastoid abscesses were analyzed, divided into two groups: those with AOM and those with COM. A significant finding was that four of the seven patients in the AOM group had pre-existing immunocompromising conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, making them more susceptible to developing mastoid abscesses. These patients exhibited various complications, including facial nerve palsy and meningitis, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow-up and rapid intervention in immunocompromised populations to prevent severe outcomes from what may seem like routine ear infections.
Conclusion
Despite the decline in mastoid abscess cases due to antibiotic treatments, the condition remains a concerning complication of both AOM and COM. Patients with AOM, particularly those who are immunocompromised, are at increased risk, and may present with more severe symptoms and complications. The findings support the necessity of early diagnosis and surgical intervention in cases of mastoid abscess to reduce the risk of serious sequelae. Ongoing education about the risks associated with otitis media and the importance of timely treatment is essential for healthcare providers.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is mastoid abscess and what causes it?
Mastoid abscess is a complication of acute or chronic otitis media. It occurs when pus accumulates in the mastoid air cells and is often associated with infections, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions or cholesteatoma.
What are common risk factors for developing mastoid abscess?
Risk factors include being immunocompromised, having chronic otitis media, and the presence of cholesteatoma. In this study, patients with acute otitis media and underlying health issues had a higher likelihood of developing mastoid abscess.
What are the primary symptoms of mastoid abscess?
Symptoms include unilateral ear infection, post-auricular swelling, mastoid pain, otorrhoea, and in some cases, facial nerve palsy or other complications related to infection dissemination.
How is mastoid abscess treated and managed?
Treatment involves broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention, usually a mastoidectomy for drainage. Close monitoring and follow-up are crucial to prevent recurrence and manage complications effectively.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Mastoid Abscess in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are crucial for treating infections caused by bacteria, including those related to otitis media. Their effectiveness has significantly reduced the incidence of mastoid abscesses; however, certain patients, especially the immunocompromised, may still develop such complications despite antibiotic therapy, highlighting the importance of both medical and surgical interventions.
2) Study (Studying):
The study provides a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing mastoidectomy for mastoid abscess from 2002 to 2007, identifying risk factors, clinical presentations, complications, and treatment outcomes. Research of this nature is vital to improving patient care and understanding the relationship between otitis media and mastoid abscess.
3) Post:
The term 'post' refers to the period following an event, in this case, post-operative recovery after mastoid surgery. Monitoring patients post-operatively is essential to assess recovery, detect complications early, and ensure that patients return to normal levels of health and functionality without subsequent infection recurrences.
4) Swelling:
Swelling, particularly post-auricular swelling, is a common symptom of mastoid abscess. It indicates inflammation and the presence of pus accumulation in the mastoid area. Identifying swelling in patients with otitis media can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing further complications and aiding recovery.
5) Disease:
In this context, disease refers to the pathological conditions such as acute or chronic otitis media that can lead to mastoid abscess. Understanding how these diseases develop and progress is crucial for implementing effective treatment strategies and reducing the rate of complications, especially in vulnerable populations.
6) Table:
Tables in the study present critical demographic and clinical data, summarizing information on patient groups, risk factors, and treatment outcomes. They are effective tools for visualizing complex information, making it easier for healthcare professionals to analyze trends and make informed decisions regarding patient care.
7) Developing:
Developing, particularly in the context of 'developing mastoid abscess,' refers to the progression of an infection or disease. It highlights the potential for complications to arise from conditions like otitis media, necessitating early detection and treatment to prevent significant morbidity and improve patient outcomes.
8) Pur (Pūr):
Poor prognosis is associated with certain conditions and factors, particularly in patients with complications arising from otitis media, such as facial nerve palsy. Understanding these factors can guide intervention strategies to improve patient management and reduce the incidence of severe outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations.
9) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium isolated from patients with mastoid abscess. Its presence underscores the evolving microbial landscape in otitis media complications. Recognizing prevalent pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus aids in tailoring antibiotic treatments and managing appropriate surgical interventions for effective patient recovery.
10) Arrow:
The term 'arrow' may refer to the diagnostic images (e.g., CT scans) used in the study to indicate the location of mastoid abscesses and related complications. Such visual aids are essential for surgeons in planning interventions and ensuring precise targeting of affected areas during surgery.
11) House:
House refers to the House-Brackmann scale used to assess facial nerve function and paralysis severity. Understanding the impact of complications, such as facial nerve palsy, is critical for guiding treatment decisions and determining prognosis following mastoid abscess, particularly in patients with otitis media.
12) Beta (Bēṭa, Beṭa):
Beta thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that can compromise the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections like otitis media. Identifying illnesses such as beta thalassemia is crucial during clinical evaluation, as they increase the risk of developing serious complications, including mastoid abscess.
13) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain is a significant symptom in patients with mastoid abscess, often indicating severe infection and inflammation. Understanding the pain profile can aid in the diagnosis and management of complications, facilitating timely treatment interventions to alleviate discomfort and prevent escalation of infection.
14) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment for malignancies that can lead to immunocompromise, increasing the risk of developing infections, including those leading to mastoid abscess. Awareness of a patient’s chemotherapy history is crucial for anticipating complications, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring vigilant monitoring during the recovery process.
15) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition is a risk factor associated with several complications in otitis media. It can weaken the immune response, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and complications like mastoid abscess. Addressing malnutrition is essential for improving patient resilience against infections and promoting better health outcomes.
16) Thalassemia:
Thalassemia, particularly beta thalassemia, can predispose patients to recurrent infections due to compromised immune function. Awareness of a patient's thalassemia status is crucial in otolaryngology, as it influences both the risk of developing otitis media complications and the management of such cases.
17) Observation:
Observation describes the close monitoring of patients’ conditions following interventions for complications of otitis media, such as mastoid abscess. It is essential for ensuring effective recovery and identifying any potential complications early, which can significantly impact overall treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
18) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate refers to the buildup of pus and infected material that can occur within the mastoid air cells in cases of mastoid abscess. Understanding how and why this accumulation happens is vital for diagnosing and treating such complications associated with otitis media effectively.
19) Allergy:
While not explicitly mentioned in the context, allergies can complicate the management of otitis media. Allergic reactions may impact a patient's immune response and treatment efficacy, and it is important to consider allergy history when diagnosing and treating conditions related to ear infections.
20) Blood:
Blood is a critical component in evaluating and managing infections associated with mastoid abscess. Assessing blood parameters is essential for understanding a patient's immune status, potential underlying conditions, and the overall impact of systemic infections stemming from complications of otitis media.
21) Sign:
Sign refers to the clinical indicators of a medical condition, such as the presence of ear pain or post-auricular swelling in mastoid abscess cases. Recognizing these signs enables healthcare professionals to diagnose complications timely and implement appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes.
22) Wall:
The term 'wall' may refer to the bony structure of the temporal bone, which can be involved in the surgical approach during mastoidectomy. Understanding the anatomy of the wall is essential for safely and effectively treating mastoid abscesses and preventing further complications.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Mastoid Abscess in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Surgical intervention, Antibiotic treatment, Clinical presentation, Facial nerve, Immunocompromised state, Staphylococcus aureus, Paediatric population, Socioeconomic class, Antibiotic resistance, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Tympanic Membrane, Facial nerve palsy, Bacterial growth, Facial nerve paralysis, Perforated tympanic membrane, Acute presentation, Otitis media, Treatment compliance, Immunocompromised patient, Early treatment, Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Acute otitis media, Broad spectrum antibiotic, Cortical mastoidectomy, Vigilant follow-up, Chronic otitis media, Cholesteatoma, Haematological malignancy, Intracranial complication, High resolution CT, Antibiotic era, Well managed, Intravenous antibiotic, Medical disease.