The efficacy of Burow's solution as an ear preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infections.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the efficacy of Burow's solution as an otologic preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infection.

STUDY DESIGN:

Two studies were included: 1) a prospective clinical study and 2) a laboratory study on antibacterial and antifungal effects.

SETTING:

A private otology practice and a laboratory study.

PATIENTS:

Fifty-eight patients with refractory otorrhea.

INTERVENTION:

Diagnosis by otoscopy, audiometry, and bacteriology.

METHODS:

Burow's solution was mixed in solutions with four organisms: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus. Soon after Burow's solution was mixed in the solutions with organisms, and 5, 10, and 20 minutes thereafter, the mixtures were cultured on agars. The numbers of the bacterial or fungal colonies were counted to evaluate the effect of Burow's solution.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Changes in the clinical findings of the ears, the symptom of otorrhea, and side effects were assessed.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five (70%) of the 50 ears assessed were "cured" and 10 (20%) ears assessed were "improved." No significant side effect was observed. Regarding the laboratory study, the four organisms disappeared within 20 minutes after Burow's solution was mixed.

CONCLUSION:

Burow's solution was considered to be an effective otologic preparation.

• Authors: Masaaki Kashiwamura, Eiji Chida, Michiya Matsumura, Yuuji Nakamaru, Noriyuki Suda, Yoshihiko Terayama, Satoshi Fukuda
• Journal: Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology (Otol Neurotol) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 9-13 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 1531-7129 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14724484 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Acetates
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• aluminum acetate
• Povidone-Iodine

Topics

• Acetates (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local (pharmacology)
• Aspergillus (drug effects)
• Candida albicans (drug effects)
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Otitis Externa (drug therapy)
• Otitis Media (drug therapy)
• Povidone-Iodine (pharmacology)
• Prospective Studies
• Staphylococcus aureus (drug effects)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (drug effects)