title: Histological observations of amniotic fluid cellular content in the ear of neonates and infants.
abstract: Amniotic fluid cellular content (AFCC), especially keratinized, non-nucleated squamous epithelial cells and lanugo hair, have been detected in the fetal and neonatal ear. We wished to evaluate the incidence, amount and histological findings of AFCC in the neonatal and early infant period. Temporal bones (n = 63) from children aged 10 min to 70 days were examined. AFCC was discovered in 39 of 43 bones in neonates. In children of 31-70 days of age, AFCC was present in 11 of 20 bones. A measurement of the amount of AFCC was performed; the maximum was 11.47 mm3 with a mean of 2.40 mm3. Histological findings varied from the mere presence of AFCC to the formation of epithelialized granulation tissue. This granulation tissue was found in 19 of the bones. Theoretical clinical implications are considered for middle ear adhesions, otitis media and cholesteatoma.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000473:pathology; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000473:pathology; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D006197:Hair / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007633:Keratins; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000196:embryology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins