A comparative study between topical versus combined (systemic plus topical) therapy in ciprofloxacin-sensitive chronic suppurative otitis media (tubotympanic)

Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, which presents with recurrent ear discharge or otorrhea through a tympanic perforation. Aim: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical versus combined (systemic and topical) therapy in ciprofloxacin-sensitive CSOM (tubotympanic). Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective study of 100 patients aged >18 years with clinically diagnosed CSOM (tubotympanic type) was conducted. After aural toilet, patients were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: Group A (topical ciprofloxacin ear drops) Group B (topical plus oral ciprofloxacin). These patients were received 1 week of treatment and followed up on day 3 and day 7. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi-square test. Results: In this study, maximum numbers of patients were found in the age group of 20–29 years. Patients in Group A (topical ciprofloxacin ear drops) showed less side effects in comparison to Group B (topical plus oral ciprofloxacin). Forty-one (82%) patients showed improvement in Group A, whereas 43 (86%) patients in Group B. Conclusion: Topical ciprofloxacin drops were as effective as combined (oral plus topical ciprofloxacin) and that the addition of oral drug did not have any beneficial effect adding only to the side effects and to the cost of treatment.