Abstract
The efficacy of low-dose long-term macrolide for treatment of intractable eustachian tube (ET) stenosis in 20 patients (21 ears) with otitis media with effusion or chronic suppurative otitis media was evaluated. A single daily dose (400-500mg) of erythromycin or clarithromycin was administered for 2-7 months, and ET function was assessed by a modified inflation-deflation test or catheter inflation before and after the course of medication. ET stenosis improved in 10 of the 21 ears (47.6%). The rate of improvement was higher in patients with chronic sinusitis than in those without chronic sinusitis. These results indicate that low-dose long-term macrolide treatment may be useful for treatment of intractable ET stenosis.
