Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, cilt.196, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Objective: To investigate the presence and characterize microplastics in middle ear effusions from children with otitis media with effusion. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the presence of microplastics in MEEs of patients with OME, warranting further investigation into potential implications. Clinical trials number: NCT06316635.