Otitis Media Flashcards
Diagnosis of acute OM include ALL 3 of these criteria:
- Middle ear effusion
- Acute onset of symptoms
- Significant inflammation of middle ear
Middle ear inflammation = bulging tympanic membrane
Overdiagnosis of AOM contributes to…
Inappropriate antibiotic use and bacterial resistance
…And potential development of asthma
Symptoms of AOM may include:
Pain
Fever
N/V/D
Pain is caused by pus + fluid under pressure
If pain relief and purulent discharge from the ear occur, what has happened?
Spotaneous rupture of TM
TM will usually heal without issues
Should we be concerned about complications from OM?
No, they are rare, and 80% of AOM also resolve spontaneously without tx.
What is the most common bacterial pathogen with OM?
Streptococcus pneumoniae (25-30%)
G+ cocci
Group A strep and staph aureus also occur, but more rare (other G+ cocci)
Besides strep and other G+ cocci pathogens, what are the other two pathogens that may cause OM?
H. Flu (20-30%) and Moraxella catarrhalis (10-20%)
H.Flu = G- cocci
Moraxella = G-
What pathogens may be present if the patient is <6 weeks old?
E.Coli and Group B strep
Vaginal flora
Besides bacterial pathogens, OM may also be caused by…
Viral infection (40%), from viral URTI or influenzae
Goals of treatment for AOM include:
Reduction in signs and symptoms
Eradication of infection
Prevention of complications
Also avoiding unnecessary abx prescribing
Antibiotic treatment selection is based on:
Ability to penetrate middle ear
Spectrum of activity
Adverse effects, convenience, cost
Are antibiotics effective for AOM symptoms? Do we need antibiotics for treatment?
Abx resolved symptoms in ~95% of patients, but 80% without abx also had resolution of symptoms
…Therefore many cases do not require antibiotics
Good criteria for antibiotic usage in AOM cases include:
3 cases of criteria (diagnosis criteria, fever, duration of symptoms)
6 months older and:
Acute onset, MEE present, bulging TM, and moderately/severely ill (both ears)
OR
Fever of 39C without antipyretics
OR
>48h of symptoms
MEE = middle ear effusion
Moderately/severely ill = irritability, difficulty sleeping, poor response to antipyretics, severe otalgia
If a patient is mildly ill with AOM, what should be done?
Discuss with caregiver - watchful waiting, and ensure follow-up.
Analgesia recommended
What is watchful waiting?
Caregiver watches child for signs of worsening. If worsening or no improvement in 24-48 hours, then fill Abx Rx.
Analgesics would continue to be given
What is optimal criteria for watchful waiting?
6+ months, not bilateral
No anatomical abnormalities or immune deficiency, or recurrent AOM
Also consider timely reassessment access as well as reliable caregiver
Which pathogen is least likely to resolve on its own in AOM?
S. Pneumoniae
Therefore, we should aim therapy at S. Pneumoniae
H.Flu and Moraxella usually spontaneously resolve
What is first-line therapy for AOM?
Amoxicillin
Why is amoxicillin considered first-line therapy for AOM?
Excellent activity against S. Pneumoniae + excellent penetration to middle ear
What is standard dosing for amoxicillin treatment?
40-50 mg/kd/day, divided TID
What is an issue for using amoxicillin standard dosing?
Potential for resistance
Resistance rates are still low… (0-1.3%)
What classifies high dose amoxicillin for AOM?
80-90 mg/kg/day divided BID or TID
When should high dose amoxicillin be used?
Daycare
Under/unimmunized
<2 years
Recent antibiotics within 3 months
What is second line therapy?
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate 40-80 mg/kg/day divided BID
Beta-lactamase inhibitor helps target other organisms (H.Flu, moraxella)