A comparison of 10% Ichthalmmol Glycerine pack with steroid-antibiotic pack for relieving pain in cases of Acute otitis Externa

Abstract

Background: Acute otitis externa, a common painful clinical condition is managed by aural packing to reduce edema and pain. Pack usually contains 10% Ichthalmmol Glycerine (IG) or commercially prepared steroid with antibiotic cream. The aim of study is to compare the clinical efficacy of 10% IG pack with steroid-antibiotic pack in relieving pain in cases of acute otitis externa.

Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out in 106 patients at Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Academy (GMSMA) of ENT and Head Neck studies, Institute of Medicine. Pain was assessed by Wong -Baker Scale in d"12years child and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in patients more than 12years of age on the day of presentation and subsequent visits till tragal tenderness disappeared.

Results: Age ranged from 1 to 75 years (mean 20.08 years) out of which 46 (43.4%) were females and 60 (56.6%) were males. Average duration of pain at presentation was 3.9 days (range1-15days). Average number of visits in IG pack group (n=55) was 2.82 (2-4 visits) while in steroid-antibiotic group (n= 51) it was 2.38 (2-4 visits). There was statistically significant decrease in the number of visits in steroid group (p < 0.05). However, decrease in pain score in second visit as compared to first visit was not significant (p > 0.05) in both groups. Average number of visits in steroid-antibiotic group required to have reduction in Wong -Baker Scale by 50% or more was 2.0 which was statistically significant (p < 0.01) as compared to IG pack group (2.9). Similar results in NRS were not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Steroid-antibiotic pack can be used for earlier relief of pain and decrease number of visits in management of acute otitis externa.

Keywords: acute otitis externa, ichthalmmol glycerine (IG) pack, steroid-antibiotic aural pack.  

The full text of this paper is available from the Journal of Institute of Medicine website

Journal of Institute of Medicine, April, 2009; 31:1 7-10