Effect of Local Dexamethasone on Prevention of Myringosclerosis after Tympanostomy Tube insertion

Abstract

Background: Otitis media with effusion, a typical condition characterized by fluid in the middle ear area, has a significant negative  influence on both the health and economy of the entire world. In children, hearing loss brought on by otitis media with effusion can  hinder the development of language and conduct. This study aimed to assess how local dexamethasone affects human tympanic  membranes' ability to resist myringosclerosis brought on by ventilation tubes.

Patients and Methods: This prospective case-control  study was conducted at Benha University Hospital, on 50 patients of both sexes and different ages complained of hearing loss due to  persistent otitis media with effusion that has been resistant to therapy for nearly three months. The patients were subdivided into two  equal groups: 25 patients were participants in group (A), which underwent myringotomy with breathing tube insertion only. 25 patients  were participants in group (B), who had myringotomy, breathing tube insertion, and local dexamethasone instillation.

Results: As far as  myringosclerosis was concerned, there was no statistically significant variation between the two groups (P-value > 0.05). As determined  by the quadrants under otomicroscopic examination, there was a significant variation between the two groups (P-value < 0.01) in relation  to myringosclerosis findings. The histopathological assessment of myringosclerosis revealed a significant variation between the two  groups with regard to the condition's symptoms (P-value < 0.01).

Conclusion: Topical dexamethasone use may be helpful in avoiding the  development of myringosclerosis. Dexamethasone's anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties may be responsible for this  impact.