Independent risk factors for treatment failure in children with ent diseases and latent eustachian tube dysfunction

Objective: to identify independent risk factors for therapy failure in children with ENT diseases associated with latent Eustachian tube dysfunction. Materials and methods: data from 1,520 children aged 3–18 years with seven ENT disease categories were analyzed. Treatment outcome was assessed as a binary variable: favorable outcome or therapy failure. Baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, bacteriological, and functional parameters, as well as selected domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and health, were studied. Univariate analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson’s χ^² test with Benjamini–hochberg correction. Independent associations were assessed by binary logistic regression. Results: in the multivariable model, independent factors associated with therapy failure were older age, a smaller number of involved paranasal sinuses, a lower C-reactive protein level, and more negative baseline tympanometric pressure. These findings indicate that the risk of an unfavorable outcome is already formed at the level of the patient’s baseline inflammatory and functional profile. Conclusions: risk assessment for therapy failure should consider the baseline inflammatory-functional profile and the presumed mechanism of latent Eustachian tube dysfunction within a specific disease cluster, supporting a personalized approach to treatment strategy selection.

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