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Hypersensitive allergic reactions to bismuth-iodoform-paraffin paste following ear surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

P. V. M. Lim*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Burton Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, UK.
R. G. M. Hughes
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Burton Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, UK.
J. Oates
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Burton Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Paul Vey-Hong Lim, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Malaya, University Hospital, Lembah Pantai, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fax: 00-6-03-755-6963 email: paul@medicine.med.um.edu.my

Abstract

The case notes of 185 patients who had bismuth-iodoform-paraffin paste (BIPP) impregnated ribbon gauze used for packing following ear surgery were analysed retrospectively. The incidence of hypersensitive allergic reactions to BIPP was 5.9 per cent and a five-fold increase risk of developing allergic reactions was found in those with previous exposure to BIPP. Where temporalis fascia was used to repair tympanic membrane defects, the incidence of tympanic membrane graft perforations was higher when allergic reactions to BIPP developed post-operatively, compared to non-allergic cases.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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