Middle Ear Effusions

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) by radial immunodiffusion technique and double diffusion analysis of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) were performed on specimens of middle ear effusion for the purpose of investigating the nature of middle ear effusion. Specimens consisted of 34 serous (15 acute and 19 chronic type) and 15 mucoid effusions (9 acute and 6 chronic type). Mean values of the IgG level in effusions and sera of each category were nearly the same. The IgA concentrations of mucoid effusions were significantly higher than those in serous effusions. Mean values of the IgM level in effusions of acute and chronic cases of both categories were lower than those in the sera. SIgA was found in 9 out of 34 (26.5%) serous effusions, while 14 out of 15 (93.3%) mucoid effusions were found to have SIgA. Results of this study suggest that middle ear effusion is a mixture of the transudate from the serum and of secretion by secretory cells present in the mucosa of the middle ear cavity; and that the nature of the mucoid effusion is similar to exudate, while the serous effusion for the most part comes from the serum.