The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Non-Cholestatoma Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic and persistent inflammation of the middle part of the ear. CSOM is a multifactorial disease that involves interactions between the host, pathogen, genetics, and environment leading to oxidative stress conditions that cause prolonged inflammation. Many studies have been conducted to explain zinc's benefits in fighting oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on non-cholesteatoma CSOM evaluated based on serum zinc and MPO levels and the presence of otorrhea. Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental research with pre and post-test control group design. This study was conducted in the ENT clinic of Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Indonesia, in July–September 2022. Subjects were divided into two different groups. The first group, or treatment group, was treated with 30 mg tablets/day zinc supplementation for 30 days. The second group, or the control group, was treated with a placebo of 30 mg/day for 30 days. Results: The result of this study showed that in the treatment group with zinc supplementation, the mean MPO level decreased significantly from 3.50 ng/mL to 0.73 ng/mL (p<0.001), the mean serum zinc level increased significantly from 119.53 μmol/L to 548.28 μmol/L (p<0.000), and 21 subjects recovered from otorrhea symptoms (p<0.000). Meanwhile, the mean MPO, zinc levels, and otorrhea symptoms did not show significant changes in the control group. Conclusions: Zinc supplementation can reduce serum MPO levels, increase serum zinc levels, and reduce otorrhea symptoms CSOM patients suffer.