title: The role of tympanocentesis in the management of infants with sepsis.
abstract: Tympanocentesis is a procedure that can identify pathogenic organisms in otitis media. However, the clinical value of this diagnostic method in the management of infants who have sepsis has not been previously reported. Although otitis media is a significant source of sepsis in infants, tympanocentesis is not routinely employed in the work-up of infants with sepsis who have abnormal otoscopic findings. Charts of 40 consecutive infants who had sepsis and were undergoing tympanocentesis as part of their emergency room work-up were reviewed. Results of middle-ear aspirations from these infants, the bacteriology of middle-ear effusions, and the role of this information in their clinical management is presented. In 80% of these patients, clinical management was directly affected by tympanocentesis data. Tympanocentesis is a safe, effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure with which otolaryngologists can provide important bacteriologic information to the pediatricians who are managing infants with sepsis.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Penn.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Arriaga
authors: C D
authors: CD
authors: Bluestone
authors: S E
authors: SE
authors: Stool
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011677:Punctures; D014432:Tympanic Membrane