Background: Recurrent exacerbation of chronic external otitis represents a special challenge for the attending physician. The goal of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of novel topical immunomodulators acting through an anti-inflammatory, nonsteroidal mechanism.
Patients and methods: In a prospective study, in 33 patients an ear wick containing tacrolimus ointment (Protopic 0.1%) was inserted every 2-3 days. Altogether, the wick was changed three times. Therapeutic outcomes were assessed by reexaminations, video-otoscopy, and a standardized findings sheet.
Results: Twenty-eight patients showed significant improvement of clinical symptoms, with 13 of them showing complete healing (follow-up 10-22 months). Relapses (15 cases) were associated with significantly extended symptom-free intervals and reduced numbers of further recurrent episodes.
Conclusions: Because of the safe and successful anti-inflammatory effects, topical immunomodulators represent a new alternative in chronic inflammatory stages of otherwise therapy-resistant external otitis.