Topical application of epidermal growth factor with no scaffold material on the healing of human traumatic tympanic membrane perforations

• DOI: 10.1111/coa.12627
• Publication Date: 2016-01-30T07:46:43Z
• Authors: Z.C. Lou; J. Yang; Y. Tang; Y.H. Fu
• Keywords: Adult; Male; China; Wound Healing; Epidermal Growth Factor; Tympanic Membrane Perforation; Administration, Topical; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Treatment Outcome; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies

AbstractObjectiveWe evaluated the effects of conservative treatment and topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with no scaffold material on the healing of human traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).Study DesignProspective, randomised clinical trial.MethodsA prospective analysis was performed between January 2015 and March 2015 for the treatment of human traumatic TMPs. The closure rate, closure time, hearing gain and rate of purulent otorrhoea were compared between the topical application of EGF and conservative treatment.ResultIn total, 97 patients were analysed. The total closure rates did not significantly differ between the observation and EGF groups (83.0% versus 92.0%, P = 0.182). The total average closure time in the observation group was significantly longer than in the EGF group (25.1 ± 10.5 versus 11.7 ± 5.2 days, P = 0.001). When the closure rate was evaluated according to perforation size, no significant difference was seen for medium or large perforations (P = 0.18 and 0.21, respectively). When closure time was evaluated according to perforation size, a significant difference was seen for medium and large perforations (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThis study suggests that topical application of EGF with no scaffold material may significantly shorten the closure time of human traumatic TMPs. Such a shorter recovery time may lead to reduced healthcare costs. This alternative technique to a classic myringoplasty is particularly beneficial and suitable for the closure of large human traumatic TMPs.