Efficacy of Acetic Acid Irrigation in Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media “A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Prior to surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) for the dry ear medical management is necessary. CSOM is a biofilm disease and due to this has antibiotic resistance. The pillar of its treatment included aural cleaning according to standard protocols, application of topical germ free antiseptic and use of antimicrobials. Acetic acid due to its ability in reducing the pH may be effective in reducing the growth of microorganisms. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of irrigation with acetic acid versus systemic antibiotics in CSOM patients. Materials & Methods: A total of 134 patients, who came to the ENT department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore between 1st April 2020 to 30th September 2020, who had CSOM, of age 15 to 55 years and both genders were included in the study. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group A patients received aural toilets and irrigation with acetic acid and Group B received 500 mg of ciprofloxacin twice a day for 2 weeks. Results: The mean age (in years) of the patients in Group A was 37.45±7.32 and in Group B, it was 37.96±7.57. The efficacy of irrigation with acetic acid versus systemic antibiotics was 89.55% and 68.66% respectively and this difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p=0.003). Conclusion: Irrigation with acetic acid was better than systemic antibiotics in managing patients with CSOM. Key words: Acetic acid, CSOM, Middle ear