The role of oxidants and antioxidants in otitis media with effusion in children.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the possible role of oxidants and antioxidants in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion in children.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial, tertiary referral center. The study group was made up of children with otitis media with effusion who were to undergo bilateral ventilation tube insertion and adenoidectomy. The control group was comprised of otherwise healthy children. The blood levels of antioxidants (retinol, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, laycopene, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, GSH) and oxidation products (malondialdehyde) were determined before and 1 month after the operation in the study group and once only in the control group. These substances were also measured in the adenoid tissue and middle ear fluids.

RESULTS: In the study group, the blood levels of antioxidants and oxidants before and after the operation were significantly different when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the study group, the blood antioxidant levels increased and oxidant levels decreased significantly after the operation (P < 0.05). The levels after the operation never reached those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Oxidants and antioxidants played a significant role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion in children. These children are under significant oxidative stress. Insertion of a ventilation tube and adenoidectomy significantly decreased the oxidative stress in these patients, but could not normalize it completely. Additional studies are necessary in the clinical use of antioxidants in otitis media with effusion.