News Release

Vaccines have not curbed rate of ear infection complications

New research released at world's largest ENT meeting

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

San Diego, CA – The introduction of pneumococcal vaccines for treating otitis media in children has not prevented complications from occurring, according to new research presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in San Diego, CA. In fact, the research suggests that the focus has changed on what complications may arise.

The retrospective review studied cases over a five-year period (2003-2008) involving complications in patients ranging from newborns to 18 years old, and found that complications continue to occur, with most cases involving lateral sinus thrombosis and epidural abscesses. This is contrary to previous research that indicated that meningities were the more prevalent of complications.

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Title: Complications of Otitis Media: Evolving Trends in Children
Author: Brandon Isaacson, MD; Peter Roland, MD; Kenneth Lee, MD, PhD; Walter Kutz; Christine Mirabal, MD
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 8:00-9:20 am

Information for the Media: The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Newsroom will be located in the San Diego Convention Center, Mezzanine Level, Room 14A. Hours of operation: Saturday, October 3, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday-Tuesday, October 4- 6, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 am to 2 pm (all hours Pacific time). The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the news media. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event.

Onsite Newsroom contact: 1-619-525-6202

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."


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