Paediatric Otorrhoea Study (POSt)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Paediatric Otorrhoea: Understanding the burden of disease and acceptability of non-surgical management options
IRAS ID
320652
Contact name
Iain Bruce
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 12 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Paediatric otorrhoea (PO) is discharge from a child’s ear, that usually results from an infection of the middle ear. The accumulation of pus in the middle ear space causes the ear drum to stretch until it ruptures, with the resultant leakage of foul-smelling discharge from the ear. Discharge from the ear for greater than 2 weeks is defined as chronic by the World Health Organization. It is know that this condition causes hearing loss which leads to developmental delay, restricted communication, poor psychosocial development, and reduced educational attainment.
Despite ear infections and otorrhoea being common in children, we do not know how it affects their lives. Importantly, we also do not know how best to treat it. We want to understand how PO is managed and how it affects children and young people. This will help us to design a study to work out which treatment is most successful.
We will perform patient interviews and focus groups with medical professionals to achieve these objectives.
Summary of results
What is Otorrhoea?
Ear infections are common in children and young people. During an infection the ear drum can burst, causing infected foul-smelling fluid to leak out of the ear. This fluid is called otorrhoea. We do not know how many children and young people in the UK have the condition, or how it affects their lives. Importantly, we also do not know how best to treat it.
Aims of the Study
We want to understand how this condition is managed and how it affects children, young people and their families. This will help us to design a study to work out the best treatment.
Methods
We have talked to families, doctors and nurses about this condition. In total 54 participants took part in this study.
Key Findings
Children and young people and their parents found it difficult living with a leaky ear. It caused pain and affected their sleeping. The leaky ear was smelly and their hearing was reduced. Doctors and nurses used lots of different antibiotics to treat this condition.
Public Involvement
To make the study patient centered, children and young people who have (or have had) otorrhoea, as well as their parents/carers have shared their experiences and shaped the study.
Sharing the results
A picture summary (infographic) of the results of this study has been created. It will be sent to those who took part in the study and shared with the public. The results will be published in a medical journal.
Future plans
We want to use these results to find out the best way to treat leaky ears in children and young people.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
23/NI/0082
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion