ÅKE REIMER

A Study on the Effect of acetic acid ( vinegar 2%) on Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Using a Specially Designed Pipette.

Authors:Palmira Kuatoko , Dalma'cia Chitungo , Joaquim Ngimbi , Lu ́cia Anto ́nio , Kristian Riesbeck , Tuula Pelkonen , Åke Reimer.

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is an important cause of hearing loss in children and constitutes a serious health problem globally with a strong association to resource-limited living conditions. Topical antibiotics combined with aural toilet is the first-hand treatment for CSOM but antimicrobial resistance and limited availability to antibiotics are obstacles in some areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical treatment with an antiseptic solution and with a specially designed pipette.

Methods:A bellows pipette was designed to enable suction and rinsing of the ear canal. A 2% vinegar was used as an antiseptic. The pipette was first used to aspirate discharge from the ear canal. A separate pipette was thereafter used to rinse the ear with vinegar, which was flushed into the canal. The procedure was repeated 2-4 times daily until the discharge ceased.

Results: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. The duration of discharge was from one month to. several years. There were 36 males and 20 females , mean age 13,5 years, range 1-62 years. Follow up was possible in 48 patents and in 39 patients the treatment resulted in a dry ear within 10 days of treatment.

Conclusions: Local treatment of ears with chronic infection of the type suppurative otitis media ( CSOM) with vinegar and a specially designed pipette proved to be an effective method to end the ear discharge. Whether the effect is permanent, we have not shown. Further research is needed to assess whether the use of the pipette ( EarClean ) and vinegar, if implemented in primary health care, could reduce the incidence of severe complications from chronic ear infections.

Ear and Hearing Care in Angola

Could a collaboration with the Institution for Otorhinolaryngology and Audiology at the University of Lund in Sweden serve as a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at mitigating the effects of chronic ear infections faced by individuals living in impoverished conditions?

Dr. Åke Reimer and Dr. Tuula Pelkonen embarked on an important visit to Luanda from May 18 to May 23, 2025. Throughout their stay, they imparted their extensive expertise in research and education to the Faculty of Medicine at Agostinho Neto University in Angola.

The image showcases the esteemed presence of Dr. Palmira Kuatoko, flanked by Rector Professor Maria Fernanda Dias Monteiro, Scientific Vice-Rector Professor Joaquim Vandúnem, Academic Vice-Rector Professor Ema Fernandes, and Professor Cardoso Neto, a renowned authority in Otorhinolaryngology.

As of October 2025, a proposal is being reviewed that aims to bolster cooperation between the Institution of Otorhinolaryngology at Lund University Hospital in Sweden and Agostinho Neto University in Luanda, Angola.

A Circius Pharma AB, em colaboração com os Clubes Rotários do Distrito 2395, é um patrocinador de um estudo piloto inovador sobre a eficácia da pipeta EarClean no tratamento de otites com secreção (OMCS). Este projeto é liderado pela Dra. Palmira Kuatoko, especialista em ORL do Hospital Josina Machel, em Luanda, Angola.

Circius Pharma AB, in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of District 2395, is sponsoring an innovative pilot study on the effectiveness of the EarClean pipette in the treatment of otitis media with discharge (OMCS). This project is led by Dr. Palmira Kuatoko, an ENT specialist at Josina Machel Hospital in Luanda, Angola.

Status report WHO African Region where
Angola is a "white spot"

Presentation in Luanda sept 10 2025
at Business Sweden meeting