Determination of complements in serum and middle ear effusion of the patients with secretory otitis media

Complements in serum and middle ear effusion were determined in 20 patients with secretory otitis media, and compared with those in the normal controls. The C5 and C1-INH in serum of the patients were significantly higher. On the contrary, C9 and B factor (Bf) were significantly lower, and the circulatory immunocomplex was also higher. In patients with secretory otitis media, the middle ear effusion levels of C3, C4 and C5 were significantly lower, and Bf and immunocomplex were significantly higher than those in serum. The results suggest that the ability of complements in clearing immunocomplex is low. Therefore, the immunocomplex may deposit in the mucosa of the middle ear. Thus the permeability of capillary will be increased, and the middle ear effusion occurs.