Pediatricotorhinola ryngological services: Any need for its establishment?

Abstract

Background: the pediatric population form a significant proportion of the work load of an otolaryngologist. The pediatric population has special needs. There is paucity of data on pediatricotorhinolaryngological disorders in the South -South region of Nigeria. The pattern of pediatricotorhinolaryngological presentation at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital is presented.

Methods: this was a descriptive retrospective review of the records of all patients aged 0-18 years old presenting at the ear, nose and throat outpatient clinic for the first time from January 2013 to December 2013. Data retrieved was age, sex, presenting complaint, diagnosis and treatment outcome.

Results: A total of 1503 new patients were seen during the study period. Of these, 515 were aged 18 years and below. Only 486 of the pediatric patients had complete medical records and were eligible for enrollment into the study. There were 267(54.9%) males and 219 (45.1%) females. The age group most commonly affected was the 0-5years. Otologic disorders were the most prevalent condition encountered accounting for 55.8% of the cases. Adenotonsillitis was the single most common diagnosis among the children accounting for 24.5% (n=119) while adenoiditis and tonsillitis accounted for 3.4% (n=17/486) and 4.5% (n=22/486) respectively. Rhinosinusitis was the commonest nasal condition encountered in our study. Foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat was a common feature accounting for 6.0% (n=29) of the cases.

Conclusion: children form a significant proportion of the work load of an otolaryngologist. Otologic symptoms are the commonest reason for consultation while adenotonsillitis is the commonest diagnosis. There is need for the development of pediatricotorhinolaryngological services.

Keywords:Pediatric, otological, rhinological, disorders, pattern.