Acute Otitis Media Complications

Objective: Acute otitis media is the result of viral or bacterial infections in the middle ear. Despite the frequent use of antibiotics for different reasons, it can still be present with serious complications. Although acute otitis media is most common between ages 3 months - 3 years, it can be seen in adults and even it may result in serious complications too. Patients and Methods: Our study was carried out by retrospectively screening patients who were admitted to Dumlupinar University Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital between January 2013 and June 2015 for acute otitis media. During these years, hospital data of patients who have referred to our hospital have been reviewed for intracranial and intratemporal complications. Results: A total of 2475 patients with acute otitis media were included. Intracranial and intratemporal complications were observed in 16 patients. The most frequent complications were mastoiditis (in 4 patients), subperiosteal abscess, facial nerve palsy and meningitis (each in three patients). Acute labyrhintitis developed in two patients and petrositis in one. Conclusion: Despite the current preventive and therapeutic approaches, patients with acute otitis media can still present with complications.