구개열 환자에 있어 중이염의 치료

Treatment of Otitis Media in Cleft Palate

Otitis media with effusion is known to be very common among children with cleft palate and is the common cause of acquired hearing loss in childhood. The purpose of the present study was to examine the anatomic variances, incidence and treatment of middle ear disease in children with cleft palate. In Korea, before 4-year-old age, the prevalence of otitis media was as high as 91.7%. Common treatments for otitis media were conservative or surgical treatment. The medical treatment options include the use of decongestants, antihistamines, antibiotics and mucolytics. Surgical treatment options include grommet insertion, myringotomy. Unlike the case for children without clefts, cleft patient has a higher incidence of recurrence, so surgical treatment between the age of 3 month and 6 month was recommended. The effect of palatoplasty on middle ear disease has remained controversial. Early and periodic evaluation on the symptomatic infection or significant of hearing loss was recommended.