A retrospective study of EGF and ofloxacin drops in the healing of human large traumatic eardrum perforation.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ofloxacin otic drops on the healing of large human traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).


METHODS
Case series with chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary university hospital.


METHODS
Retrospective case review of patients with traumatic TMP larger than 25% of the TM seen between February 2007 and December 2008. Patients were stratified into EGF drops, ofloxacin drops, and observation groups. The closure rate, closure time, and hearing level were compared among the three groups at 6months.


RESULTS
In total, 120 patients met the inclusion criteria. The total closure rate was 89.2% (107/120) and the total mean closure time was 22.6±7.4days. The closure rates of perforation in the EGF, ofloxacin otic drops, and observation groups were 93.5%, 92.0%, and 82.2%, respectively. The closure rates among the three groups were not statistically different (p=0.19). The mean perforation closure times were 12.6±6.9, 12.9±5.1, and 35.7±9.2days for the EGF, ofloxacin otic drops, and observation groups, respectively. The average closure time in the observation group was significantly longer (p=0.01) than that in the EGF and ofloxacin otic drops groups. However, the closure times in the EGF and ofloxacin otic drops groups were not significantly different (p=0.84).


CONCLUSIONS
The study surprisingly found that both topical application of EGF and ofloxacin otic drops result in more rapid closure compared with spontaneous healing for human large traumatic TMPs. The benefit would be great as a shorter recovery time may reduce health care costs. Therefore, ofloxacin otic drops should be considered in clinics.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Affiliated YiWu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: yiwuyangjian@126.com.
Jian-Yang
Department of Clinical Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China. Electronic address: yiwulouzihan@126.com.
Zi-Han-Lou
Department of General Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Renji College, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: 646483903@qq.com.
Yahui-Fu
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Affiliated YiWu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: louzhengcai@163.com.
Zheng-Cai-Lou
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D015242:Ofloxacin