Effect of piperacillin-tazobactam coated β-tricalcium phosphate for mastoid obliteration in otitis media

Background and objectiveβ-Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) has good biodegradability and osteoconductivity as a scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. Both block and granular forms are available; however, it has been associated with risk of infection and exposure. To this end, the study evaluated the effect of piperacillin-tazobactam coated β-TCPs for mastoid obliteration in otitis media.Materials and methodsTen guinea pigs were divided into the experimental (piperacillin-tazobactam coated β-TCP granules, n = 5) and control groups (uncoated β-TCP granules, n = 5). After mastoid obliteration, transtympanic injection with a saline suspension of lipopolysaccharide established inflammation. The animals were sacrificed 5 weeks later. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined.ResultsEncapsulation and formation of fibrous capsule by foreign material in the bulla were not evident. The histological evaluation did not reveal inflammatory cells and fibrosis in the piperacillin-tazobactam coated β-TCP group. In contrast, the control group showed numerous inflammatory cells around the implanted uncoated β-TCP granules and incomplete new bone formation.Conclusionβ-TCP is an effective carrier material for piperacillin-tazobactam. The use of piperacillin-tazobactam coated β-TCP may be optimal for mastoid obliteration.