Dataset Information

Using Ear Molding to Treat Congenital Auricular Deformities.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To explore the utility of ear molding in the treatment of congenital auricular deformations. Study Design: A retrospective chart/photograph review of a consecutive series of infants treated with the EarWell System from 2017 to 2020 was performed. Data on type of auricular deformity, treatment side, and auricular length and width were collected weekly for all study participants. Result: A total of 173 patients (274 ears) with congenital auricular anomalies were included. The treatment duration for lop ears and Stahl's ears was shorter than for other deformations. The mean treatment EarWell duration of participants who started ear molding within 14 days of birth was shorter than that of those who started treatment more than 14 days after birth with the same ear deformation. For participants with unilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both the affected and healthy ears increased over the course of treatment, equalizing after 3 weeks. For participants with bilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both ears increased rapidly over the first 3 weeks of treatment, and the length and width of both ears gradually equalized after treatment. Conclusion: Ear molding is an important intervention for treating congenital auricular deformations, and can increase auricular length and width. Early identification and initiation of treatment is crucial in the management of congenital auricular deformation.

SUBMITTER: Chen Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8717866 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:PURPOSE:The significant shortcomings associated with current autologous reconstructive options for auricular deformities have inspired great interest in a tissue engineering solution. A major obstacle in the engineering of human auricular cartilage is the availability of sufficient autologous human chondrocytes. A clinically obtainable amount of auricular cartilage tissue (ie, 1 g) only yields approximately 10 million cells, where 25 times this amount is needed for the fabrication of a full-scale pediatric ear. It is thought that repeated passaging of chondrocytes leads to dedifferentiation and loss of the chondrogenic potential. However, little to no data exist regarding the ideal number of times that human auricular chondrocytes (HAuCs) can be passaged in a manner that maximizes the cellular expansion while minimizing dedifferentiation. METHODS:Human auricular chondrocytes were isolated from discarded otoplasty specimens. The HAuCs were then expanded, and cells from passages 3, 4, and 5 were encapsulated into discs 8 mm in diameter made from type I collagen hydrogels with a cell density of 25 million cells/mL. The constructs were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsa of nude mice and harvested after 1 and 3 months for analysis. RESULTS:Constructs containing passages 3, 4, and 5 chondrocytes all maintained their original cylindrical geometry. After 3 months in vivo, the diameters of the P3, P4, and P5 discs were 69 ± 9%, 67 ± 10%, and 73 ± 15% of their initial diameter, respectively. Regardless of the passage number, all constructs developed a glossy white cartilaginous appearance, similar to native auricular cartilage. Histologic analysis demonstrated development of an organized perichondrium composed of collagen, a rich proteoglycan matrix, cellular lacunae, and a dense elastin fibrin network by Safranin-O and Verhoeff stain. Biochemical analysis confirmed similar amounts of proteoglycan and hydroxyproline content in late passage constructs when compared with native auricular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS:These data indicate that late passage HAuCs (up to passage 5) form elastic cartilage that is histologically, biochemically, and biomechanically similar to native human elastic cartilage and have the potential to be used for auricular cartilage engineering.

Dataset Information

Using Ear Molding to Treat Congenital Auricular Deformities.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets