DIRECT APPLICATION OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR IMPROVES TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION HEALING

Topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) on tympa nic membrane (TM) perforations was studied in guinea pigs. One-millime ter simple round TM perforations or 2-mm TM perforations with medially flapped borders were performed. Either b-FGF or placebo was instilled in each ear on the day of surgery and daily thereafter. Treatment was applied either directly to the perforation or to a Gelfoam(R) pledget over the defect. When no scaffolding material was interposed, b-FGF i nduced a faster healing response characterized by a hyperplastic but l inear subepidermal connective tissue reaction compared to the control. When Gelfoam was interposed as a scaffold, a voluminous scar protudin g into the middle ear cavity and involving the ossicles was observed i n both b-FGF and control animals. Gelfoam-induced scars did not decrea se after long-term observation, therefore discouraging its use.