Infections of the ears, nose, and throat in children with primary immunodeficiencies.

Children who suffer from primary immunodeficiencies have long been thought to be subject to infections of the ears, nose, and throat due to unusual or resistant organisms. A retrospective chart review was undertaken at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1989 to determine the types and frequency of infections of the ears, nose, and throat, and the bacteriologic findings from cultures of the sinuses, ears, and head and neck abscesses, when obtained. Seventy-five patients were identified with primary immunodeficiencies, and 80% suffered from infections of the ears, nose, and throat. Cultures obtained from 33% of the group showed the majority of the organisms commonly seen in ear and sinus infections. We conclude from this study that children with primary immunodeficiencies who require hospitalization frequently have an infection of the ears, nose, and throat, and that the infection is usually caused by community acquired bacteria. Empiric treatment may therefore be directed to common organisms causing these infections.