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Continuity Clinic Notebook:

Chapter II. The Evaluation of the Sick Child

Chapter 2 Index

A. Evaluation by system:

1. General

2. HEENT
--Otitis Media:
Classification, Rx and Complications

 

Pediatric ENT:
1. When to Refer for Tubes
2. Laryngeal Abnormalities

(Dr. John Bent 12/95: Pediatric ENT)

I. Tubes, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy: (Indications and complications of each)

1. Tubes:

  • Otitis Media: Caused by Strep pneumo, H influenzae, and Branhamella catarrhalis
  • Predisposing factors: race, daycare, season, smoke, family history, breastfeeding
  • Effusion present after infection: 40% after 1 mo, 15% after 2 mos, and 10% after 3 mos
  • Indications for tubes:
    • 3-6 months serous otitis media with > 20 db loss
    • 3 episodes of otitis media in 3 months
    • 4-6 cases of otitis media in 12 months
  • Complications of tubes: otorrhea (1-3%), perforation

2. Adenoidectomy

  • Indications for adenoidectomy: airway obstruction, abnormal facial, or dental growth,  recurrent otitis media or effusion:  (ref: Paradise: JAMA 1990;263:2066-73)
  • More effective if combined with tubes: (ref Gates: NEJM 1987;317:1444-51)
  • Complications: nasopharyngeal stenosis and hemorrhage

3. Tonsillectomy

  • Indications: recurrent strep, airway obstruction, peritonsillar abscess; recurrent tonsillitis
    (ref: Paradise: NEJM 1984;310:674-83)
  • Technique: no advantage to laser
  • Inpatient vs. outpatient: if less than 3 years of age, chronically ill, or poor access to medical care, better done in the hospital.

II. Laryngology: most common larynx problems and their treatment:

1. Laryngomalacia: most common congenital laryngeal anomaly.  Presents hours to months after birth; characterized by a high pitched inspiratory stridor. Often requires no treatment, but can require epiglottoplasty or tracheostomy.

2. Vocal cord paralysis: second most common congenital larynx problem.  Congenital or acquired - left > right.  If unilateral has weak cry; if bilateral: strong cry.

3. Vocal cord nodules: most common cause of hoarseness; results from misuse of voice. Always bilateral. Can be helped by speech therapy.

4. Recurrent papillomas: most common neoplasm in larynx.  Etiology: HPV, birth transmission, promiscuity.  Treatment: CO2 laser, interferon, Vit A, chemotherapy

5. Subglottic stenosis: >95% acquired; can diagnose from plain films or by direct laryngoscopy.  Treat by laser, dilation, tracheotomy, and laryngotracheoplasty if needed.

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Department of Pediatrics  |  Medical College of Georgia
Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
John T.  Benjamin M.D., 
jbenj@mcg.edu

February 27, 2004