Microplastic presence in the fluid of otitis media with effusion

To investigate the presence and characterize microplastics in middle ear effusions from children with otitis media with effusion.

Middle ear effusions were collected from 24 patients (13 males, 11 females; mean age 5.4 years) with bilateral OME (≥3 months duration) or unilateral OME (≥9 months duration) undergoing myringotomy. Effusions were aspirated, washed with filtered distilled water, treated with 10 % KOH, and incubated. Samples were then filtered through a 0.7 μm glass fiber filter, washed with acetone, and stained with rose Bengal. Microplastic presence and characterization were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman microscopy.

Microplastics were detected in 11 of 40 MEE samples (27.5 %). Two patients exhibited bilateral microplastic presence. Identified microplastics included acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyurethane glycol, polymethyl siloxane, polypropylene, polyethylene diethyl chlorophosphite, and polyamide.

This study provides preliminary evidence for the presence of microplastics in MEEs of patients with OME, warranting further investigation into potential implications.

NCT06316635.