Management of chronic otitis media with effusion: the role of glutathione.

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory cells documented in chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) spontaneously release oxidants which can induce middle ear (ME) epithelial cell damage. Glutathione (GSH), a major extracellular antioxidant in humans, plays a central role in antioxidant defense.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of GSH treatment on chronic otitis media with effusion (OME).

METHODS

Sixty children with chronic OME were enrolled, 30 of whom were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 30 to the placebo group. Patients in the treatment group received 600 mg glutathione in 4 mL saline per day subdivided into five 2-minute administrations given by nasal aerosol every 3 or 4 waking hours for 2 weeks. Patients in the control group received 4 mL saline per day following the same procedure as for GSH treatment.

RESULTS

Three months after therapy improvement had occurred in 66.6% of patients in the GSH-treated group and in 8% of the control subjects (P <.01).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of these results, GSH treatment could be considered for the nonsurgical management of chronic OME.