The Efficacy of Nasal Steroids in Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as effusion in the middle ear without signs and symptoms of an acute infection. Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy of nasal steroids in OME in children by compared with oral steroids and with nasal saline spray. Patients and Methods: This study included 60 children with bilateral OME. The children were divided into three equal groups; group A, 20 children received mometasone furoate nasal spray. In group B, 20 children received oral prednisolone. In group C, 20 child received hypertonic sea water nasal spray. Clinical follow-up was done once per week for 4 weeks, at the end of treatment, and then monthly for 3 months. Otoscopic examination, audiological evaluation was done before treatment for each group and repeated at 3,6 months after treatment. Results: A highly significant difference between systemic or topical nasal steroid and hypertonic sea-water nasal spray was detected regarding symptoms improvement, clinical examination, adenoids hypertrophy and hearing condition. The difference between systemic and topical steroid was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Nasal steroid spray is an effective treatment for OME, with a result similar to systemic steroid but without the hazard of corticosteroids.