A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Parental role in the diagnostics of otitis media: can layman parents use spectral gradient acoustic reflectometry reliably?
Authors: Erkkola-Anttinen N, Laine MK, Tahtinen PA, Ruohola A
Publisher: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
Publication year: 2015
Journal: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Journal name in source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY
Journal acronym: INT J PEDIATR OTORHI
Volume: 79
Issue: 9
First page : 1516
Last page: 1521
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 0165-5876
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2015.06.040(external)
Conclusion: This study showed that layman parents are able to use the SG-AR technically successfully. In symptomatic children, parentally obtained SG-AR level 1 examination is not adequate to exclude MEE. However, parentally obtained SG-AR levels 4-5 do indicate the presence of MEE. At the same time, in asymptomatic children, parentally obtained SG-AR level 1 examination seems to indicate a healthy middle ear. From the perspective of primary care, the implementation of parental SG-AR examinations in the diagnostic chain of otitis media would be intriguing. This study showed that the possibilities lie in the follow up of the resolution of MEE after an episode of OM in asymptomatic children. However, it seems that currently, the SG-AR technique is an obstacle for wider clinical implementation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
