A randomized prospective comparision of two methods of administering topical treatment in otitis externa

Abstract

Ten patients with bilateral moderate or severe otitis externa were studied. Following aural toilet each patient was subjected to two different treatments: one ear had alternate day dressings containing a topical antibiotic/steroid mixture, while the external canal of the other was filled with the same topical preparation (sump filling). Improvement in the severity of the otitis externa was assessed after 1 week. 9 out of 10 ear canals improved in each group. An estimate of the relative cost of each treatment was made and sump filling was found to be less expensive. The results suggest that sump filling is a low cost alternative to standard treatment in moderate and severe otitis externa.

Efficacy and safety of fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution in patients with otic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…These results concur with previous studies demonstrating the good tolerability of fluocinolone acetonide treatment. 17 – 19 In two RCTs, fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% in peanut oil showed a good efficacy response, 20 , 21 although this formulation raised concerns about possible peanut-derived allergies. Multiple single-entity and combination products containing fluocinolone acetonide at 0.01% and 0.025% have been commercialized in different formulations (creams, ointments, oils, ophthalmic solutions).…”

“…Multiple single-entity and combination products containing fluocinolone acetonide at 0.01% and 0.025% have been commercialized in different formulations (creams, ointments, oils, ophthalmic solutions). 16 – 19 The only product specifically indicated for otic eczema and approved by the FDA is an oil formulation of fluocinolone acetonide at 0.01%. In the present study, fluocinolone acetonide was assessed at 0.025% based on previous results reporting the safety and good tolerability of this fluocinolone concentration in combination with antibiotics, 17 , 18 with the hypothesis that 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide would achieve high biological activity and induce a rapid response, at a minimum risk of AEs.…”

Duration of antibacterial effectiveness of gentamicin ear drops in external otitis

“…In contrast to Barr and Al-Khabori, 5 Peterkin 6 declared that 'powders and pastes should never be applied to the meatus, as they can form concretions in the outer ear analogous to the cement formed by the insuf ation of sulphonamide powder that was once used'. McDowall 1 said that repeated examination is necessary during treatment to ensure that the meatus remains clear and does not become clogged by a mixture of discharge, desquamated epithelium and therapeutic agent.…”

“…half the tympanic membrane should be seen). 5 The wick technique is particularly useful for an oedematous meatus, commonly seen in external otitis.…”

An animal model for external otitis

“…Irrespective of the treatment strategy for external otitis, there is a high recovery rate [4,13]. However, its definition can be vague and a variety of therapies exist.…”