Ear drops containing steroids were better than acetic acid for otitis externa
Q In patients with acute otitis externa, what is the relative effectiveness of ear drops containing acetic acid, steroids and acetic acid, and steroids and antibiotics?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
concealed.
Blinding:
blinded (health care providers and patients).
Follow up period:
42 days.
Setting:
47 general practices in the central part of the Netherlands.
Patients:
213 patients (mean age 43 y, 50% men) presenting with signs and symptoms of acute otitis externa. Exclusion criteria: age ⩽17 years, pregnancy, otitis externa lasting >3 weeks, furuncle in the external auditory canal, acute otitis media, perforated eardrum, perichondritis, fever, allergy to study drugs, or treatment for acute otitis externa in the past month.
Interventions:
3 ear drops 3 times daily of 7.2 mg of acetic acid per gram of propylene glycol (acetic acid group) (n = 71); 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and acetic …
