RESUMO
Beta[2]-Microg1obulin [Beta[2]-M] is a low molecular weight protein. It is non-covalently associated with the heavy chain of human leucocytic antigen [HLA] antigens on cell membranes. This study was undertaken to evaluate beta[2]-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 beta[2]-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 Beta [2] -M in serum of normal controls, serum and [MEE] of preschool children were: 1.89 +/- 0.71, 2.26 +/- 0.91 and 3.88 +/- 2.65 mg/1 respectively, while in the early school age: 1.48 +/- 0.55, 1.5 +/- 0.58 and 3.18 +/- 2.1 mg/1 respectively. The mean Beta[2]-M value in serum and middle ear effusion in children with mucoid type of OME were: 2 +/- 0.86 and 4.11 +/- 2.57 mg/1 respectively, while in those of serous type were: 1.91 +/- 0.93 and 2.68+1.91 mg/1 respectively. There was no correlation of the Beta[2] M levels with respect to the patients age, sex or MEE type. Beta[2]-M was detected in 100 percent of [MEE] samples and serum samples. It remains to be further investigated whether the Beta [2]-M immune complexes present in MEE may actually contribute to the pathogeneses of OME