Role of Topical Acetic Acid in Comparison to Gentamicin for the Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Introduction: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is one of the diseases resistant to current antibiotics; persisting for more than two week; and capable of causing severe discharge, tympanic membrane perforation and deafness. This may cause distress and affect their quality of life and productivity. Aims: To assess the role of topical Acetic Acid in comparison to Gentamycin for management of CSOM. Methods: It was a Randomized, open label study. Patients diagnosed as CSOM (safe type) were randomly divided into two groups, group I - topical 1.5% Acetic acid and group II - topical 0.3% Gentamicin sulphate in a dose of three otic drops thrice daily. Follow up was done every week for two weeks and was compared on the basis of otological symptoms score. Results: The mean difference of otological symptom score at day 7 and day 14 from baseline in Group I was 1.90±1.01 and 3.40±1.08; and in Group II 1.96±0.57 and 3.12±0.74; p<0.05. Among the study groups, reduction of otological symptom scores at day 7 (Group I =3.22±1, Group II=2.66±1.76; p=0.14) and at day 14 (Group I = 1.72±1.76, Group II= 1.50±1.79; p=0.56) respectively. Also, “Treatment success” seen in 46 (92%) patients in the Acetic acid group and 44 (88%) patients in Gentamicin sulphate group. Moreover, cost of the treatment for Acetic acid was 102.94 and for Gentamicin sulphate was Rs.160.25 per person. Conclusion: Topical Acetic acid was found to be equally effective to Gentamicin sulphate for the treatment of CSOM.