Could a cystic fibrosis drug unclog Kids' ear tubes?
NCT ID NCT00419380
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) ear drops can unclog tympanostomy tubes in children better than standard ofloxacin drops. 41 children aged 1 to 18 with clogged tubes received either treatment for 7 days. The main goal was to see if the tube was open at day 14.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only โ not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) ear drops
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to unclog ear tubes in children, potentially avoiding the need for tube replacement surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed phase 4 trial with only 41 participants. The drug is used off-label, and it may not work better than standard ear drops. Risks include ear irritation or lack of improvement.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The Children's Hospital
Denver, Colorado, 80218, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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