[Inflammation and seromucous otitis].

Abstract

1. AN IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP: There is a strong relationship between tubular dysfunction, tympanic depression and effusion of the tympanic cavity. 2. TWO IMPORTANT PHENOMENA: Increased secretory capacity of the mucosa and decreased mucociliary clearance subsequent to a reduction in the number of ciliated cells have an important impact. 3. CONTINUUM: Rhinopharyngeal infection, acute middle ear infection and seromucosal otitis constitutes a continuum demonstrated by the fact that PCR (polymerase chain reaction) studies reveal the same germs in the rhinopharynx, in the middle ear fluid, and in seromucous otitis (SMO) effusions. 4. BACTERIA AND VIRUSES: By producing toxin, bacteria and viruses induce severe inflammatory reactions in SMO, triggering the cascaded of inflammation mediators. 5. MEDIATORS: Several elements participating in the cascade of inflammatory events have been demonstrated in human patients and animal models of SMO despite the minimal number of elements producing inflammation mediators initially. Recurrent favoring factors have a primordial effect. 6. ALLERGY: The clinical and epidemiologic data are widely debated, but do not favor the hypothesis of an allergic reaction, yet several studies have demonstrated that mediators of the allergic response are present in SMO effusions. 7. ANTIBIOTICS: Used in short-term regimens, antibiotics have a favorable [not readable: see text] on SMO, but their duration of action is short due to the persistent inflammatory reactions. 8. ORAL CORTICOSTEROIDS: The beneficial effect of oral corticosteroids in SMO is generally short-lived with a rapid decline in efficacy after a few weeks. 9. LONG DURATION AND RELAPSE: SMO is usually a long-standing highly recurrent condition proscribing use of long-term systemic corticosteroids. It might be interesting to assess the contribution of local corticosteroid therapy after classical "acute" treatment associating antibiotics and a short course of oral corticosteroids. 10. OTHER OPTIONS: Clinical trials using other treatment options in SMO have not been conclusive for mucolytic, decongestant or antihistamine agents.