[ddgirl]

I was wondering if anyone has heard of preauricular sinus?
We have been home with our daughter since April 28th
She had been to the pediatrician on May 4th and they never mentioned it before. She has a hole at the top of her ear that looks like she had her ear pierced.
The Pediatrician said that it could be preauricular sinus and we are going to have to get an ultrasound of her kidneys.
Has anyone ever heard of this?????

Dawn

DOB:1/2/06
DOR: 1/10/06
DNA done: 1/30/06
SWI done: 2/14/06
PGN: 3/10/06
Out of PGN: 3/27/06
Home: 4/28/06

[saranbr]

I don't know the rate of occurance off the top of my head, but this is not uncommon at all. Most of them are completely insignificant and the sinus or tract is a dead end shortly under the skin. Very rarely the tract extends into the brain, but usually you see leakage of cerebral spinal fluid-- but this is extremely rare. In that case there is, of course, a huge risk of infection.

The reason your pedi wants to get a renal ultrasound is that ear abnormalities are associated with renal anomolies, although the incidence is fairly low. There is a link between the two during embryonic development.

All that to say-- don't worry. I do know though that is easier said than done when she's your baby!

[mnmom2four]

My twin boys have them in both ears. My ped checked with a pediatric urologist as to wether we needed to do an ultrasound and he said "no". He said that as long as we don't see drainage from the "holes" and they don't have any urinary problems there prob is no problem. New data and research shows that kidney problems are not nessacarily tied to preauricular pitting. I live in Minneapolis and take m kods to the clinic at the Childrens Hosp. and I trust their assesment. So far no problems.
However as a pediatric nurse I would encourage you to do what you feel is best for your child and to check with your doctor for options.
I hope this helps ease any concerns. The ultra-sound is no big deal to have done as it is painless, non-invasive and quick.

[mnmom2four]

My twin boys have them in both ears. My ped checked with a pediatric urologist as to wether we needed to do an ultrasound and he said "no". He said that as long as we don't see drainage from the "holes" and they don't have any urinary problems there prob is no problem. New data and research shows that kidney problems are not nessacarily tied to preauricular pitting. I live in Minneapolis and take my kids to the clinic at the Childrens Hosp. and I trust their assesment. So far no problems.
However as a pediatric nurse I would encourage you to do what you feel is best for your child and to check with your doctor for options.
I hope this helps ease any concerns. The ultra-sound is no big deal to have done as it is painless, non-invasive and quick.

[soon2bemom]

Preauricular sinuses are common, especially in Central America. They usually cause no trouble, although every once in a while they get infected (usually in early teenage years) and if they do get infected you take antibiotics to clear the infection.

It is standard of care to check the kidneys of anyone who has any sort of ear anomaly. Shows that your pediatrician is pretty smart. Good for you. 99% of the time the kidneys turn out fine, but it is good to check.