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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Published on: January 19, 2022
Effectiveness of MeroGel hyaluronic acid on tympanic membrane perforations
Kayhan Ozturk1, Huseyin Yaman, Mustafa Cihat Avunduk
1Department of Otolaryngology, Meram Medical Faculty, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. kayhanozturk@selcuk.edu.tr
Conclusions:
Our results support the proposition that hyaluronic acid (HA) provides a moist wound-healing environment to aid in the healing process of tympanic membrane perforation. A single MeroGel administration can be effective as well as daily topical HA application in the treatment of tympanic membrane perforations. A single application of esterified HA may be more suitable for patients and also for otolaryngologists.
Objective:
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single MeroGel application on traumatic tympanic membrane perforations in rats.
Materials And Methods:
The posterior quadrant of the tympanic membranes in both ears of 24 male pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats was perforated with a 20-gauge needle. Subjects were divided into two groups: MeroGel and daily topical HA-treated groups. All subjects were sacrificed and histopathological examinations of the tympanic bullas were carried out.
Results:
Perforations of controls, and MeroGel- and daily HA-treated groups closed in 17/24 (70.8%), 11/12 (91.7%), and 12/12 (100%) ears, respectively. There was a significant difference between control and MeroGel-treated groups, and also between control and daily topical HA-treated groups for the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), lymphocytes and collagen fibrils (p<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between MeroGel- and daily topical HA-treated groups (p>0.05).
Insights
A single MeroGel application effectively treats tympanic membrane perforations in rats, promoting moist wound healing. This single-dose hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment is as effective as daily applications and may be more convenient for patients and otolaryngologists.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Wound Healing Research
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Tympanic membrane perforations can impair hearing.
- Effective treatments aim to accelerate healing and restore membrane integrity.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is known for its role in tissue repair and maintaining a moist wound environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a single MeroGel application for traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.
- To compare the effectiveness of MeroGel with daily topical hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on key healing indicators in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Induction of tympanic membrane perforations in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Treatment groups included a single MeroGel application and daily topical HA.
- Histopathological examination of tympanic bullas to assess healing markers.
Main Results:
- Perforation closure rates were 70.8% for controls, 91.7% for MeroGel, and 100% for daily HA.
- Both MeroGel and daily HA treatments significantly increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), lymphocytes, and collagen fibrils compared to controls.
- No significant difference in healing outcomes was observed between the MeroGel and daily HA groups.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) supports a moist wound-healing environment beneficial for tympanic membrane perforation repair.
- A single MeroGel application is effective for treating tympanic membrane perforations, comparable to daily HA application.
- Single-dose esterified HA (MeroGel) offers a potentially more convenient and suitable treatment option for patients and otolaryngologists.
