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Treatment
Ear drops containing steroids were better than acetic acid for otitis externa

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.7.2.43

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    van Balen FA, Smit WM, Zuithoff NP, et al. Clinical efficacy of three common treatments in acute otitis externa in primary care: randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2003;327:1201–5.OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text

    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

    Embedded ImageDesign:

    randomised controlled trial.

    Embedded ImageAllocation:

    concealed.

    Embedded ImageBlinding:

    blinded (health care providers and patients).

    Embedded ImageFollow up period:

    42 days.

    Embedded ImageSetting:

    47 general practices in the central part of the Netherlands.

    Embedded ImagePatients:

    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.

    Embedded ImageInterventions:

    3 ear …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Dr F A van Balen, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands. f.a.m.vanbalenmed.uu.nl

    • Sources of funding: Dutch College of General Practitioners and Foundation for the Advancement of Appropriate Drug Usage.