Direct application of basic fibroblast growth factor improves tympanic membrane perforation healing.
Topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) on tympanic membrane (TM) perforations was studied in guinea pigs. One-millimeter simple round TM perforations or 2-mm TM perforations with medially flapped borders were performed. Either b-FGF or placebo was instilled in each ear on the day of surgery and daily thereafter. Treatment was applied either directly to the perforation or to a Gelfoam pledget over the defect. When no scaffolding material was interposed, b-FGF induced a faster healing response characterized by a hyperplastic but linear subepidermal connective tissue reaction compared to the control. When Gelfoam was interposed as a scaffold, a voluminous scar protruding into the middle ear cavity and involving the ossicles was observed in both b-FGF and control animals. Gelfoam-induced scars did not decrease after long-term observation, therefore discouraging its use.
Fina
M
M
Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093-0666.
Baird
A
A
Ryan
A
A
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D014945:Wound Healing; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy*
D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2