Clinical, subclinical characteristics and some associated factors to treatment result of acute otitis media at Hai Phong Children’s Hospital

Background: This study aimed to describe the clinical and subclinical characteristics of acute otitis media (AOM) in patients at Haiphong Children’s Hospital (HCH) between January 1 and December 31, 2021, and to evaluate factors affecting treatment outcomes. Methods: We analyzed data from 76 inpatients aged 2 months to <15 years with AOM who underwent a culture test for ear pus or sinus fluid during 2021. Results: The majority of AOM cases occurred in children aged 6 months to 2 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Otorrhea was the most common symptom, followed by fever and ear pain. Tympanic otoscopy was the most reliable diagnostic method. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were the most common pathogens. Most patients responded well to medical treatment, though H. influenzae infections were more likely to require surgical intervention. Conclusions: Children with ear symptoms such as otorrhea or otalgia should seek prompt medical attention to prevent complications like pus accumulation in the tympanic cavity. The need for surgical intervention is increased in AOM patients infected with H. influenzae.