The efficacy of Burow's solution as an ear preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infections.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of Burow's solution as an otologic preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infection.


METHODS
Two studies were included: 1) a prospective clinical study and 2) a laboratory study on antibacterial and antifungal effects.


METHODS
A private otology practice and a laboratory study.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients with refractory otorrhea.


METHODS
Diagnosis by otoscopy, audiometry, and bacteriology.


METHODS
Burow's solution was mixed in solutions with four organisms: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus. Soon after Burow's solution was mixed in the solutions with organisms, and 5, 10, and 20 minutes thereafter, the mixtures were cultured on agars. The numbers of the bacterial or fungal colonies were counted to evaluate the effect of Burow's solution.


METHODS
Changes in the clinical findings of the ears, the symptom of otorrhea, and side effects were assessed.


RESULTS
Thirty-five (70%) of the 50 ears assessed were "cured" and 10 (20%) ears assessed were "improved." No significant side effect was observed. Regarding the laboratory study, the four organisms disappeared within 20 minutes after Burow's solution was mixed.


CONCLUSIONS
Burow's solution was considered to be an effective otologic preparation.
Kashiwamura
Masaaki
M
Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School of Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. true-north@eva.hi-ho.ne.jp
Chida
Eiji
E
Matsumura
Michiya
M
Nakamaru
Yuuji
Y
Suda
Noriyuki
N
Terayama
Yoshihiko
Y
Fukuda
Satoshi
S
D000085:Acetates / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects
D000085:Acetates; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; C013396:aluminum acetate; D011206:Povidone-Iodine