Role of Albumin Coating of Tympanostomy Tubes: Long‐Term Clinical Evaluation

Abstract

After the first 9 follow-up months, no difference was found in the sequelae related to uncoated and HSA-coated tubes. The typical bacteria causing AOM were found less frequently among patients older than 2 years. A profile of tympanostomy patients in Finland will be given.

Effect of tympanostomy tube surface on occlusion

“…Results from clinical trials may well differ from our findings. However, as noted above, observations with this in vitro model have consistently mirrored those of published clinical trials [6,7,15]. Further prospective clinical trials will be needed to more firmly establish the validity of our findings.…”

“…However, albumin coated TT patency rates in vivo were not significantly prolonged after the initial nine months [6]. The lack of albumin's prolonged clinical benefit was postulated to have been due to a gradual decay in the HSA coating.…”

“…None has emerged as ideal for the prevention of TT occlusion. Several studies have examined the impact of TT composition on occlusion and duration of effective middle ear ventilation [2][3][4][5][6]. However, these clinical studies have numerous confounding factors that affect the endpoints of TT occlusion and other complications.…”

Topical antibiotic treatment reduces tympanostomy tube biofilm formation

“…P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are both among the most common pathogens associated with PTTO12 and robust biofilm formers 15. Biofilm formation has been implicated as a cause of both early and late PTTO 9, 10. Biofilm formation requires microbial adherence and propagation, prompting tremendous interest in TT surfaces that inhibit microbial adherence or survival 16–18…”

“…TT biofilm formation has been implicated in the development of PTTO occurring relatively late after TT placement 9. TT surface treatment aimed at reducing microbial adherence and biofilm formation has reduced early, but not late PTTO,10 suggesting that early PTTO might also be linked to biofilm formation. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a single treatment with OAPs can reduce TT biofilm formation and if there are differences between OAPs in vitro.…”