Effects of ototopic steroid and NSAIDS in clearing middle ear effusion in an animal model.

Objective: A model of otitis media with effusion (OME) has been developed in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. This model was used to study the effects of an ototopic steroid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced OME.
Study Design: Twenty-six rats were randomized into 4 groups: saline solution, LPS, NSAID + LPS, and steroids + LPS. Test substance was injected into the middle ear at 0, 2, and 4 hours. The effusion was collected at 2, 4, and 6 hours. Statistical analysis of effusion volume and albumin concentration was performed.
Results: The LPS group demonstrated statistically significant increase in both effusion volume and albumin concentration compared with saline solution. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly less effusion volume in the steroid group and less albumin concentration in the NSAID group when compared with the LPS group.
Conclusions: Transtympanic steroid reduced LPS induced middle ear effusion while NSAID reduced albumin concentration in the rat model.
Significance: Our results lend support to the current use of anti-inflammatory ototopicals in the treatment of inflammatory middle ear disease.