Efficacy of Concentrated Growth Factors in Treating Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Guinea Pigs

Background: Less invasive and cost-effective alternatives are needed to manage tympanic membrane perforation (TMP). Therefore, the effectiveness of concentrated growth factors (CGF) in promoting tympanic membrane regeneration in guinea pig models of eardrum perforation was invetigeted. Methods: Large TMPs were created in 34 guinea pig ears using a CO2 laser and divided into 3 groups: CGF-gelatin sponge (with-CGF group), saline-gelatin sponge (without-CGF group), and untreated group. In the with-CGF group, CGF and gelatin sponges were implanted into the perforations, while the without-CGF group received gelatin sponges impregnated with saline. Eardrums were observed under a light microscope on days 14 and 28, and tympanic membranes were examined histologically with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: On day 14, 8 of 14 (57.1%) ears in the with-CGF group achieved perforation closure, while no closures were observed in the withoutCGF or untreated groups. The closure rate was significantly higher in the with-CGF group compared to both without-CGF and untreated groups (P < .001). By day 28, 12 of 14 (85.7%) ears in the with-CGF group and 8 of 14 (57.1%) ears in the without-CGF group had closure. No closures were noted in the untreatedgroup. Although the closure rates between the with-CGF and without-CGF groups were similar (P=.07), the withCGF group showed a significantly higher rate than the untreated group (P < .001). Histological analysis revealed that the regenerated tympanic membrane was thicker in the with-CGF group compared to the without-CGF group. Conclusion: Concentrated growth factor effectively promotes tympanic membrane regeneration and provides a promising, minimally invasive treatment option for TMP.