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Is ototopical nystatin ototoxic? A chinchilla model
Sam J Daniel1, Sofia Sahmkow, Olubunmi V Akinpelu
1Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. sam.daniel@mcgill.ca
Summary
Transtympanic nystatin, an antifungal medication, showed no long-term ototoxicity in chinchillas. Otoacoustic emissions and cochlear microscopy confirmed safety after 60 days, indicating minimal risk for ear applications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Ototoxicity Research
Background:
- Ototopical medications are frequently administered via tympanostomy tubes.
- Nystatin is an antifungal agent with potential for ototopical use.
- Assessing the ototoxic potential of such treatments is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ototoxic effects of ototopical nystatin suspension applied through a tympanostomy tube.
- To determine if nystatin causes damage to the cochlea in a chinchilla model.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled animal study using a chinchilla model (10 animals).
- Bilateral tympanostomy tubes were inserted; one ear received nystatin, the other served as a control.
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of cochleae were used for assessment at baseline and 60 days post-application.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in DPOAEs between the nystatin-treated ears and control ears.
- SEM analysis revealed no discernible damage or alterations in the cochleae of experimental ears compared to controls.
- These findings were consistent over the 60-day observation period.
Conclusions:
- Transtympanic application of nystatin did not result in detectable long-term ototoxic effects in the chinchilla model.
- Nystatin appears safe for ototopical use when administered through a tympanostomy tube, based on DPOAE and SEM evaluations.
