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Can Eustachian Tube Ventilatory Function Impairment After Oxygen Diving Be Influenced by Application of Free Radical Scavenger Vitamins C and E?
Author(s) -
Mutzbauer Till S.,
Neubauer B.,
Mueller P. H. J.,
Sigg O.,
Tetzlaff K.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200105000-00020
Subject(s) - free radical scavenger , ascorbic acid , medicine , placebo , vitamin c , scavenger , vitamin e , eustachian tube , anesthesia , vitamin , antioxidant , middle ear , physiology , surgery , chemistry , biochemistry , pathology , oxidative stress , alternative medicine , food science
Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the influence of free radical scavenger vitamins C and E on eustachian tube ventilatory function changes related to oxygen dives. Study Design Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of middle ear impedance changes of oxygen divers being orally treated with free radical scavenger vitamins C and E. Methods Fifteen divers were allocated to two groups. Before diving on oxygen on consecutive days (days 1 and 2), divers in group 1 took a daily dose of 1 g ascorbic acid and 600 International Units d‐α‐tocopherol and divers in group 2 were given placebo. Before diving and 2 and 24 hours after diving on days 1 and 2, middle ear impedance was measured. Results Impedance decreased overnight after dive 1 ( P = .04) but not after dive 2 ( P = .31). No impedance differences were found between groups after the dive on day 1 ( P = .83). Twenty‐four hours after the dive on day 1 and after the dive on day 2, impedance values in both groups were different ( P = .02 vs. P = .07), emphasizing slightly more negative pressures in the vitamin group. Conclusion Vitamins C and E did not reduce eustachian tube ventilatory function impairment overnight after the dive on day 1, suggesting no evidence of free radical–mediated toxicity affecting the eustachian tube or middle ear mucosa. Repetitive oxygen dives may cause tissue adaptation suggesting other than antioxidant defense mechanisms.