The Protein Pattern of Middle Ear Effusion in Serous Otitis Media Behind an Intact Drum

Abstract

The ratio of protein to lipid in middle ear effusions facilitates a better distinction between serous and glue effusions. Lipid concentration is related to the duration of the disease. The immuno-electro-phoretic pattern of the proteins from the middle ear effusions solubilized by means of 0.25% glucose oxi-dase or diastase clearly demonstrates three types of protein patterns different in their gammaglobulin types and levels. There is no correlation with the plasma protein pattern, with the macroscopical aspect of the middle ear effusion nor the duration of the disease.