Publications-Detail

Sonotubometry in Children and Juvenile Patients

Authors:
Di Martino, E. ,  Nath, V. E. ,  Telle, A.Vary, P.
Journal:
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume:
137
Page(s):
175-176
number:
2
Date:
Aug. 2007
Language:
English

Abstract

Problem Addressed: Middle ear problems occur foremost in children and juvenile patients. Conventional testing of the eustachian tube (ET) by tympanometry offers only indirect information about the actual state of the ET function.
Methods and Measures: A total of 45 healthy individuals were surveyed and compared. Group I constisted of n = 14 patients, 6-9 yrs. of age. Group II consisted of n = 31 individuals, 10-16 yrs. A total of 754 measurements was performed. A multivariate analysis was performed for statistical evaluation.
Results: In 81.7% measurements an ET opening could be registered. Swallowing water and dry provoked an ET activity in 93% and 92.5% respectively. In yawning 85.6% and in Valsalva 59.1% openings were seen. Decongestion did not cause better results (p< .08). Regarding the side of signal application there was no significant difference found for the measured signal intensity in either ear (p< .15) A multivariant analysis showed significant differences for the various manoeuvres (p< . 0001) in the measured signal intensity. Group I performed significantly worse in Valsalva (39.7% vs. 68.8%) due to the patients compliance.
Conclusions: Sonotubometry with PS detects ET activity in normal children with a high reliability. Swallowing and yawning are best to provoke a ET opening. Valsalva is not a feasible manoeuvre in younger children due to a limited compliance. Further studies are necessary to prove the use in patients with a middle ear problem and ET dysfunction.
Clinical Significance of Study: The study demonstrates that this new method is not only feasible for adults but also for children. Since ET undergoes profound changes during skull growth this new approach may contribute to a better understanding of the physiology in the developing organ.

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