Treatment of Chronically Infected Open Mastoid Cavities With Medical Honey: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Issue 5 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henatsch, Darius; Wesseling, Frederik; Briedé, Jacob J.; Stokroos, Robert J.
• Is Part Of: Otology & neurotology. Volume 36:Issue 5(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Ear -- Honey -- Open mastoid cavity; Otology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Skull base -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.8005
• DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-7129

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To investigate the efficacy of medical honey as topical treatment of chronically discharging open mastoid cavities in comparison with conventional eardrops. Study Design: Single-center, prospective, randomized controlled, double-dose trial of 12 weeks. Patients and Intervention: Twenty-eight patients diagnosed as having a chronically discharging open mastoid cavity underwent medical honey gel (intervention) or conventional eardrops (control) treatment. Treatment interventions were repeated after 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Visual analogue scale of ear complaints, cavity inflammation, and bacterial infection. Results: Most patients had a cavity with localized granulation. After treatment, inflammation score decreased in both groups ( p < 0.05), with more pronounced inflammation-free cavities in the honey group. Honey treatment resulted in less discomfort ( p < 0.001) and otorrhea ( p < 0.001), even after correction for additional medication use ( p < 0.05, p < 0.01). This decrease was not seen in the control group. Pain and itching did not change on treatment. Most cavities were infected with Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus aureus . After treatment, a 23% increase of negative culture was seen with honey compared with 30% in the control group (nonsignificant). No serious adverse reactions were found. Conclusion: Medical honey gel is a safe alternative treatment option for patients with a chronically discharging open mastoid cavity and beneficial in reducing discomfort, otorrhea, and inflammation with a bactericidal effect.