Adolescent otolaryngology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of disease amongst ambulatory adolescents referred to a pediatric otolaryngology outpatient department.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review of adolescents newly referred to a tertiary pediatric otolaryngology outpatient department over a 12-month period.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifteen patients were included (male 56, female 59) mean age 14.9 years. There were 36 (31%) patients who had previously required otolaryngology management for another condition, and 29 patients with complex medical conditions. Investigations, including audiology and medical imaging, were performed in 35 patients. The patients were managed surgically 34 (30%), medically 28 (24%), referred to other departments 10 (9%) had no intervention 21 (18%), while 22 (19%) failed to attend for follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
Ambulatory adolescent patients present with a comparable spectrum of otolaryngological problems to other pediatric age groups. These patients appear to be well managed by pediatric otolaryngologists, and there does not seem to be a need to develop a free standing adolescent otolaryngology subspecialty within tertiary pediatric otolaryngology at this time.
Tweddle
Eliza A
EA
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia. etweddle@gmail.com
Berkowitz
Robert G
RG
D000293:Adolescent; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data