[Traumatic tympanic membrane perforactions. Local application of an alginate matrix loaded with epidermal growth factor in an animal model].

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an alginate matrix releasing epidermal growth factor on healing after acute tympanic membrane perforation in rats.

Method: A total of 20 male rats were divided into two groups. In each animal, a randomly chosen tympanic membrane was perforated by heat. A piece of alginate matrix (control group) or alginate matrix loaded with 0.25 microg epidermal growth factor (EGF group) was then placed on the perforation. The rat ears were examined after days 3, 6, 9, and 14 and every week thereafter for a total of 11 weeks. Each matrix was removed on day 9. To examine the status of the tympanic membranes on day 14, one randomly chosen membrane from each group was histopathologically examined.

Results: By day 6, complete closure of the tympanic membrane perforation was achieved in 56% of the EGF group, whereas it was achieved in only 10% in the control group. By day 14, all tympanic membrane perforations were closed in both groups. There were no complications and no significant differences in the histopathologic parameters between the EGF group and the control group.

Conclusion: An alginate matrix seems to be a useful EGF-delivery system to the tympanic membrane.