Defining tympanostomy tube plugs.
OBJECTIVE
To define the composition of tympanostomy tube plugs because selecting or developing effective solvents depends on such knowledge.


METHODS
Prospective, in vitro laboratory study.


METHODS
Luminal contents of 105 plugged, microscopically removed tympanostomy tubes were expressed, pooled, acid hydrolyzed, and passed through a high-performance liquid chromatography column. Retention times were compared with high-performance liquid chromatography standards to develop free amino acid and monosaccharide profiles. Cerumen, blood, and chronic mucoid effusion (collected during myringotomy) were pooled and subjected to the same analysis. The elution profiles of each substance were compared to determine which substance most closely matched the plugs.


RESULTS
High-performance liquid chromatography amino acid and monosaccharide analysis demonstrated greatest similarity between tympanostomy tube plugs and mucoid effusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Tympanostomy tube plug composition is more similar to mucoid effusion than to blood or cerumen. Solvents to open plugged tympanostomy tubes should be directed against the components of mucoid effusion.
Westine
John G
JG
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0264, USA.
Giannoni
Carla M
CM
Antonelli
Patrick J
PJ
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006801:Humans; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D009005:Monosaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D009093:Mucus / Q000737:chemistry; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000596:Amino Acids; D009005:Monosaccharides