Management of middle-ear effusions in children

Abstract

SummaryA double-blind placebo controlled trial of Mucodyne (carbocisteine, Berk Pharmaceuticals), Actifed (triprolidine HCI and pseudoephedrine HCI, Wellcome) and combined Mucodyne and Actifed in the treatment of middle-ear effusions is reported. The trial was undertaken to assess whether either preparation, alone or in Combination, would reduce the number of children requiring surgical treatment for this condition. No statistical difference between the various groups in avoiding surgical treatment with Mucodyne was associated with a significantly greater number of ears restored to a normal appearance and middle ear function as measured by tympanometry. All patients relapsing after surgery belonged to the groups receiving placebo, Actifed or the combination of Mucodyne and Actifed prior to the operation.