The efficacy of topical ciprofloxacin in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media

We conducted a test of the efficacy of ciprofloxacin eardrops in 80 patients (95 ears) with otorrhea due to chronic suppurative otitis media in two treatment settings. One group (n = 40; 47 ears) received daily ciprofloxacin therapy plus aspiration in the clinic. The other group (n = 40; 48 ears) self-administered ciprofloxacin at home. Overall, otorrhea resolved in 88% of all ears within 12 days of the initiation of treatment. The clinic-treated patients tended to respond more rapidly than did the self-treated patients, but there was no statistically significant difference in success rates between the two groups. Side effects were negligible. We conclude that empiric topical ciprofloxacin therapy is an effective, safe and relatively inexpensive treatment for otorrhea in patients with chronic otitis media.     

Treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a common disease process in children with tympanostomy tubes or tympanic membrane perforations. Although the underlying etiology is still unclear, the most commonly isolated organism is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Management may be medical, surgical, or both, and depends on the patient's age, associated conditions, and clinical course.     

Anaerobes and fungi in chronic suppurative otitis media

Microbiology of 102 ears with chronic suppurative otitis media was studied for aerobes, anaerobes, and fungi. Forty-four percent were pure cultures, 33.3% were mixed, and 18.6% had no growth. Seventy-four percent were aerobes, 25% fungi, and only 0.9% anaerobes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.5%) was the most common isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and the Aspergillus species. The possible reasons for low yield of anaerobes and the pathogenic roles of anaerobes and fungi in chronic suppurative otitis media are discussed. It is advocated that in investigating pathogenic organisms in chronic suppurative otitis media, requests should include anaerobes and fungi.     

Local treatment of purulent chronic otitis media with ciprofloxacin

We evaluated the efficacy of ciprofloxacin eardrops compared to tobramycin and to a placebo in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media. 60 ears were randomly assigned to treatment for 3 weeks with ciprofloxacin, tobramycin or placebo eardrops. The organism most commonly isolated from the ear discharge was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The clinical responses were 78.9% and 72.2%, respectively, in the ciprofloxacin and tobramycin groups, while it was only 41.2% in the placebo group. Treatment with ciprofloxacin eardrops seemed to be at least as efficient as treatment with tobramycin. Considering the lack of ototoxicity of ciprofloxacin, this treatment may be best for chronic otitis media.     

Clinical trial of ototopical ofloxacin for treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media

A multicenter, open-label prospective trial was performed to determine the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of ofloxacin (OFLX) otic solution in the treatment of subjects > or =12 years with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and a chronically perforated tympanic membrane in the infected ear(s). A total of 207 patients at 27 centers in the United States and Central America received OFLX 0.5 mL instilled ototopically twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The primary clinical end point was cure (dry ear) or failure (not dry ear). The primary microbiologic end point was eradication of baseline pathogens. Because there was no comparator and there were few data in the literature regarding clinical efficacy in patients treated with other regimens, the efficacy of OFLX was compared with data recorded in the clinical records of historical-practice control (HPC) or current-practice control (CPC) subjects. The incidence of clinical cure in clinically evaluable OFLX-treated patients (91%; 148 of 162 subjects) was significantly higher than in HPC subjects (67%; 124 of 185 subjects) or CPC subjects (70%; 38 of 54 subjects). OFLX eradicated all baseline pathogens isolated in microbiologically evaluable subjects. These pathogens were predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis. The most common treatment-related adverse event, bitter taste, occurred in 17% (35 of 207) of OFLX-treated subjects. Thus OFLX 0.5 mL administered twice daily for 14 days was effective in resolving the signs and symptoms of CSOM in subjects > or =12 years, was significantly more effective than therapies used to treat HPC or CPC subjects, and was well tolerated.     

The use of pilastin for treating patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

Gas gangrene is caused by multiple species of Chlostridium, generally as a complication of traumatismus producing necrotic infections. This kind of infection is rare and specially uncommon in childhood. A case of post-traumatic Chlostridium perfringens infection is presented in a two year old girl after an open fracture of the hand. In order to reveal the extension of the process different examinations were performed including radiography of the hand, angiography and infrared thermography. These studies are describen and correlated, specially the angiography and the infrared thermography as a non-invasive method, as well as the treatment and evolution.     

Plastic reconstruction of mastoid cavity in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

The paper explains the causes of incorrect sphygmogram recording and describes the physical principle of a pulse wave recording device, its designing and technical features. Evidence is given for the advantages of pneumatic pressing over mechanic one, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and accuracy of pulse wave recording. Trials have indicated that the use of the proposed device needs much less time for making pulse diagnosis.     

Nasal and middle ear ciliary beat frequency in chronic suppurative otitis media

The middle ear mucociliary system has been shown to have an important function in the clearance of effusions. Little is known, however, about its role in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). The ciliary beat frequencies of middle ear mucosal biopsies and nasal brushings of 27 patients with CSOM were analysed using a computerized photometric technique. The ciliary beat frequency in the middle ear mucosa was significantly less than that in nasal mucosa. Frequency in ears of smoking patients was significantly lower compared with non-smoking patients. Nasal brushings were taken from 27 otherwise healthy age and sex-matched non-smoking controls and the ciliary beat frequency was very similar to nasal samples from patients with CSOM. Ear controls were obtained from otosclerotic patients undergoing tympanotomy and the beat frequency was significantly higher than in the ear of patients with CSOM. It is concluded that middle ear ciliary function is significantly reduced in CSOM, particularly in patients who smoke.     

Autologous tissue in initial type I and type III tympanoplasty operations in chronic suppurative otitis media

We reviewed 192 patients who had been treated for chronic otitis media. All operations were carried out at the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tübingen. No patient had a previous ear operation and revision operations were excluded. The observation period varied from a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 4 1/2 years. The ossicular chain was partially destroyed in 43 ears (22.4%). Ossiculoplasty was performed using autologous ossicles. An inens was used in 31 ears and a malleus in 12 cases. The overall failure rate was 20.8%. Most recurrent perforations were found in middle-aged patients. Children had only a 14% incidence of recurrent perforations. Fascia was the material associated with the highest failure rate (28.6%). After using perichondrium 6.8% of the cases had recurrent perforations, whereas the perichondrium-cartilage transplant was not successful in 4.8%. Overall, 62.7% of the patients were found to have an air-bone gap of 10 dB or less at 1.5 kHz 3-6 months after surgery. An air-bone gap of 20 dB or less was found in 91.2% of the patients. The main problem seen in the patients with chronic otitis media was not reconstruction of the ossicular chain but a lasting closure of the tympanic membrane. The perichondrium-cartilage transplant permitted the best results and is now recommended especially for patients with unfavorable middle ear conditions. A long-lasting closure of the tympanic membrane was also found in children (< or = 15 years of age). For this reason we also recommend an early operation in order to allow children to lead a normal life.     

Complications of chronic otitis media

In summary, recent literature indicates that the complications of chronic otitis media have been decreasing. However, even with the advent of modern and more powerful antimicrobials and aggressive surgical eradication of disease, the morbidity and mortality are still high. Some complications may initially be quite obvious and some complications may be quite subtle. Therefore, the most important tools in making early diagnosis are careful history and physical examination, and a high index of suspicion for impending complications.     

Anaerobic bacteria in chronic otitis media

The work shows microbiological findings of the chronic pus inflammations of the middle ear, emphasising anaerobic bacteria. Samples 170 were examined. 38 patients were under 15 years-of age, and others were between 15 and 60 years-old. Aerobic bacteria were identified by using Cowan's and Steel's conventional methods and Manual's and Sutter's methods were used for identification of anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 23.5% of the samples by improving their cultivation. Findings of cholesteatoma and polyp are the factors that damage aeration so the a good conditions for multiplication of the anaerobes. It is necessary to pay attention to anaerobic bacteria while treating the patients with chronic pus inflammation of the middle ear.     

Non-cholesteatomatous suppurative otitis media: facial nerve palsy in an immunocompromised patient

A 47-year-old man developed a complete facial nerve palsy secondary to non-cholesteatomatous suppurative otitis media. At operation, this was seen to be due to destruction of the nerve from halfway along the horizontal segment to a point just distal to the second genu. The history of recent renal transplantation and subsequent immunosuppression was judged to be significant in the pathogenesis of the palsy.     

Long-term antibiotic therapy in chronic purulent otitis media

A new therapeutic approach is proposed for chronic purulent otitis media. This clinical condition is often a recurring phenomenon in spite of all forms of treatment. Ten cases are reviewed and the results encourage the authors to pursue this form of treatment consisting of a longterm antibiotherapy of Ampicilline and Cloxacilline in a further study.     

Management of the mastoid air cell system in chronic otitis media

The influence of the Mastoid Air Cell System in Chronic Otitis Media is subject to much speculation. Does a mastoidectomy influence the surgical results following chronic inflammatory ear surgery? An understanding of the pathology associated within the mastoid air cell system is necessary before a discussion of the need for a mastoidectomy can be presented. Most mastoid air cell systems are sclerotic in chronic otitis media patients. The report summarizes one author's experiences with the influence of mastoidectomy upon surgical reconstruction for chronic inflammatory diseases of the ear. Emphasis is directed toward the eustachian tube rather than the mastoid air cell system.