Comparison of Topical Acetic Acid and Gentamicin in Achieving Dry Ear in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Abstract

Objective: To compare efficacy of topical acetic acid with topical gentamycin ear drops in achieving dry ear in patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM). Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: ENT Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from July 2021 to Juner 2022. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients were included in this study through nonprobability consecutive sampling. Patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups of 40 each, by lottery method. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients and approval of the study was taken from the Hospital Ethical Committee. The patients in Group A received topical 1.5% Acetic acid and the other 40 in Group B received topical 0.3% Gentamicin sulphate. Patients were advised to cover their ear canals with ear plugs or cotton balls covered by Vaseline to prevent entry of water in the ear. Effectiveness was assessed by observing resolution of ear discharge, in term of achieving a dry ear on day 14. Results: Average (±SD) age of cases in Group-A was 32.7 (±17.3) years and in Group-B was 26.2 (±15.4) years. In Group-A, ear discharge (Otorrhoea) resolution was achieved in 36 (90%) cases and in Group-B in 32 (80%). The efficacy was found better in the Group-A receiving topical Acetic Acid, but statistically the efficacy of both groups was similar. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Acetic acid was equally effective to Gentamicin sulphate in achieving ear discharge control (dry ear) in CSOM

Keywords

• suppurative otitis media, tympanic cavity, topical anti-infective agents, instillation.