Functional and morphological defects of the mucociliary system in secretory otitis media.

Background: One of the main functions of the ciliated cells of the middle e ar mucosa is the continuous drainage of fluids from the middle ear cavity t o the Eustachian tube. Impaired mucociliary clearance is related to disturb ed clearance of middle ear secretions and results in otitis media with effu sion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ciliary beat frequency (CBF ) and the ultrastructure of cilia in young patients suffering from otitis m edia with effusion (OME). Methods: CEF and ciliary ultrastructure were stud ied in 36 patients with OME and 10 normal subjects without any history of m iddle ear effusion. Results: The CBF was significantly decreased in the stu dy group (6.59 Hz, +/- 1.83) compared to the controls (10.68 Hz, +/- 1.87) and the incidence of ultrastructural defects was higher than in controls. T he most common defect were compound cilia, random orientation of the ciliar y axes, and defects of the central microtubules. Defects of the dynein arms were not observed.