Active Tubotympanic Chronic Otitis Media: The Role Of Topical Acetic Acid In Comparison With Topical Ciprofloxacin Ear Drops In Achieving Dry Ear
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/7wfxpz42Keywords:
Chronic otitis media, acetic acid, ciprofloxacin, ear discharge, otologic symptom score, tubotympanic COM.Abstract
Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (COM) is a persistent middle ear infection that often leads to otorrhea and hearing loss. Achieving a dry ear is a crucial therapeutic goal to prevent recurrence, facilitate surgical intervention, and reduce complications. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of aural irrigation with 1% dilute acetic acid followed by 2% acetic acid ear drops versus topical ciprofloxacin ear drops in achieving a dry ear in patients with active tubotympanic COM.
Methods: A total of 94 patients with unilateral active tubotympanic COM were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A underwent aural irrigation with 1% dilute acetic acid and continued self-administration of 2% acetic acid ear drops for five days. Group B received topical ciprofloxacin ear drops. Patients were evaluated on days 7 and 14 for clinical improvement based on ear discharge status and otologic symptom scores.
Results:The mean ages in Groups A and B were 44.74±16.54 and 40.21±16.77 years, respectively. No significant difference was observed in sex distribution or pretreatment discharge type. By day 14, 77.7% of Group A and 73.4% of Group B achieved a dry ear (p = 0.519). Otologic symptom scores improved comparably in both groups (p = 0.862).
Conclusion:Both acetic acid and ciprofloxacin treatments were effective in achieving dry ear in active tubotympanic COM. Given its comparable efficacy, low cost, and lack of antibiotic resistance risk, acetic acid irrigation is a valuable alternative, especially in resource-limited settings.
