ABSTRACT
Otistis media with effusion [OME] is one of the most common health problems seen in children [Kirglu et al., 2003].This study was undertaken to evaluate beta2-M levels in serum and effusion of the middle ear in patients with OME to determine whether there was any alterations which may shed a light on the pathogenesis of this disease. The present study was carried out on 30 patients [36 ears] with otitis media with effusion [OME] who were admitted to ENT Departments of Al-Azhar University Hospitals. The patients were given an interval of 3 weeks after diagnosis and before surgical interference to give them a chance for resolution with medical treatment. Those with persistent effusion were selected for the study. Diagnosis was done by a complete case history, clinical examination and audiological examination. Determination of beta2-M in the sera and MEE of patients with OME and the sera of normal controls showed that their mean values +/- SD were: 1.85 +/- 0.9, 3.57 +/- 2.41, 1.73 +/- 0.67 mg/l respectively. The mean concentration of beta2-M in serum of normal controls, serum and "MEE" of preschool age: 1.48 +/- 0.55, 1.5 +/- 0.58 and 3.18 +/- 2.1 mg/l respectively. The mean beta2-M value in serum and middle ear effusion in children with mucoid type were: 1.91 +/- 0.93 and 2.68 +/- 1.91 mg/l respectively. There was no correlation of the beta2-M levels with respect to the patients age, sex or MEE type. [2-M was detected in 100% of "MEE" samples and serum samples