The peak time for tympanostomy tube placement is during the peak period of otitis media, which is from 6 to 36 months of age.
Tympanostomy tubes can be expected to be functional for about 1 year after the insertion.
Parameters:
(1) adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy
(2) craniofacial deformities
(3) family history in first degree relatives
Adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy:
(1) reduced risk of second tube placement if done at time of first tube placement
(2) reduced risk of further tube placements if done at the time of the second tube placement
|
Parameter
|
Finding
|
Points
|
|
craniofacial deformities
|
absent
|
0
|
|
|
present
|
1
|
|
family history
|
none
|
0
|
|
|
family history of tube placement and/or tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
|
1
|
Children < 18 months of age are more likely to have additional tube placements, but this is not considered an independent risk factor.
total score =
= SUM(points for all risk factors)
Interpretation:
• minimum number of risk factors: 0
• maximum number of risk score: 3
• The higher the number of risk factors the more likely more than one tube insertions will be performed.
