Cephalic index: a predictive tool for seromucosal otitis in a paediatric population in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate cranial morphotype as a predictor of the occurrence of Seromucous otitis (SMO) in a setting with limited resources.

Patients and methods: This was a case-control study conducted from April to August 2019. Children brought for ENT consultation were included. A multicenter descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted in hospitals in the city of Yaoundé, the Efoulan district hospital, the Essos hospital centre and the Yaoundé central hospital. After a clinical evaluation of each included child, we proceeded to the measurements of the various cranial diameters then a tympanometry was carried out.

Results: In our sample of 255 children, the mean age was 6.09 ± 3,87 years. Our cases were bradycephalic (97%). According to the tympanometric profile, we established a "Target" group consisting of 42 children presenting with type B and C2 curves compatible with retro tympanic effusion, i.e. a prevalence of SMO of 16.5%, and a "Control" group consisting of 213 children presenting with type A, As, Ad, C1 curves not suggestive of SMO. Community living was the only statistically significant risk factor identified for SMO, and school attention disorder and retrotympanic effusion were the main clinical signs associated with statistically significant SMO. No correlation could be established between SMO and bradycephalic morphotype.

Conclusion: A study with a larger sample size could be carried out to refine our results on a larger scale, but at this stage tympanometry remains the reference diagnostic method for SMO.