Overview of Child Otological Care at the Reference Health Center of Commune V, Bamako

Abstract

Aim: To profile the diagnostic and the care provided for otological conditions in children. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out from March 1, 2022 to May 30, 2022 at the ENT Unit of the Reference Health Center of Commune V (Bamako). This study concerned the records of children with an otological condition. They were at their first consultation within the unit. The month of March was devoted to recruitment. The follow-up was done until the end of May. The parameters studied included epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects. Results: We identified 184 children suffering from otological conditions out of a total of 559 patients that consulted during March 2022, i.e. an hospital prevalence of 32.9%. This study found ear infections in 60.3%. Earwax and epidermal plugs accounted for 32.60%. Traumatic injuries were 4.3%. Pre-lingual deafness was found in 1.1% of cases. Antibiotics were used for treatment in 66.3% of children without any complications detected. Conclusion: The otological affections of the child were frequent with a predominance of otitis.